Newton versus Hooke
Newton's Spiral
Newton's Spiral simulation
The simulation shows the motion of an object in both the rotating
frame of the Earth (on the left) and an inertial frame (on the
right). The simulation uses the following assumptions:
- Object is released from a point 0.5 Earth radii above Earth's equator.
- Object is allowed to pass through Earth with moderate linear
resistance (b = 0.0015 in kg/s/Earth radii units).
- Gravitational force on object inside of Earth is proportional to
the distance from, and directed toward,
Earth's center.
- Earth rotates at a rate of 5 rotations per day.
Newton's diagram of the spiral
Note: diagram drawn in rotating frame of Earth.
Todd K. Timberlake (ttimberlake@berry.edu)