G-force is the force of gravity or acceleration, measured in g, with 1 g equal to Earth’s gravity. It is important in science and engineering, and humans can tolerate localized g-forces up to hundreds of g’s for a fraction of a second. G-force varies on different celestial bodies, with Jupiter’s surface experiencing about 2.5 g and a neutron star’s surface gravity between 2×1011 and 3×1012 g.
G-force refers to the force of gravity on a particular celestial body or the force of acceleration everywhere. It is measured in g, where 1 g is equal to the force of gravity on the earth’s surface (9.8 meters per second per second). As Einstein realized, the force of gravity and the forces of acceleration are mutually indistinguishable on the subject; a person in an opaque box experiencing a g-force would not be able to tell whether its origin lies in acceleration in space or in a gravitational field, unless he had some way of seeing outside the box. Analyzing this force is important in a variety of science and engineering fields, especially planetary science, astrophysics, rocket science, and the engineering of various machines such as fighter planes, race cars, and large engines.
Humans can tolerate localized g-forces in the hundreds of g’s for a fraction of a second, like a slap in the face. However, sustained forces in excess of about 100g can be fatal or lead to permanent injury, although there is considerable variation between individuals when it comes to their tolerance. Race car drivers have survived instantaneous accelerations of up to 10g during crashes. In rocket sled experiments designed to test the effects of high acceleration on the human body, Colonel John Stapp in 214 experienced 1954 g for several seconds. Accelerations over 46.2 g, even momentary, are usually fatal.
In everyday life, humans experience g-forces stronger than 1 g. A typical cough produces a momentary force of 3.5 g, while a sneeze causes about 3 g of acceleration. Roller coasters are generally designed not to exceed 3g, although some notable exceptions produce up to 6.7g. There are slight increases in any moving machinery, such as cars, trains, planes and elevators. Astronauts in orbit experience 0 g, called weightlessness.
G-force varies on different planets or celestial bodies. When an object has a greater mass, it produces a higher gravitational field, resulting in higher g-forces. On the Moon it is about 1/6 g and on Mars about 1/3 g. On the Martian satellite Deimos, only 8 miles (13 km) in diameter, gravity is about 4/10,000 of g. In contrast, Jupiter’s surface experiences about 2.5 g. This is smaller than it should be because Jupiter’s low density causes its surface to be a long way from its primary mass concentration in the core. On the surface of a neutron star, a degenerate star with a density similar to the atomic nucleus, the surface gravity is between 2×1011 and 3×1012 g.
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