Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: jeffreyH on 09/01/2015 01:18:05

Title: Does jerk apply to gravitational acceleration?
Post by: jeffreyH on 09/01/2015 01:18:05
The second derivative of position (acceleration) applies to gravitation but what about the third derivative (jerk)? Would this ever apply in intense gravitational fields?
Title: Re: Does jerk apply to gravitational acceleration?
Post by: evan_au on 09/01/2015 07:37:50
The derivative (gradient) of gravitational acceleration with respect to distance is what gives rise to tides.
The derivative of gravitational acceleration with respect to time is what gives rise to jerk.

For an object in free-fall in a gravitational field, the distance changes periodically with time. So I suggest that tides are the most obvious indication of jerk. Within the Roche limit, disintegration is an indication of jerk; spaghettification is the equivalent near a black hole.
Title: Re: Does jerk apply to gravitational acceleration?
Post by: PmbPhy on 10/01/2015 05:53:21
The second derivative of position (acceleration) applies to gravitation but what about the third derivative (jerk)? Would this ever apply in intense gravitational fields?
I would imagine so since when the gravitational field is time dependent there should be instances when the third derivative doesn't vanish. E.g. when you have a binary star system.
Title: Re: Does jerk apply to gravitational acceleration?
Post by: jeffreyH on 10/01/2015 16:40:33
Thanks for the replies guys that gives me some avenues to pursue.