G-forces

G-forces, or gravitational forces, measure the acceleration experienced by an object compared to the force of Earth's gravity. When you feel heavier or lighter during a quick ride, that’s G-forces at work. For example, during a roller coaster drop, you experience increased G-forces, making you feel a surge of weight, while looping may make you feel lighter as you momentarily experience reduced G-forces. These forces are essential in aviation and space travel, as they can impact pilots and astronauts, affecting their bodies' ability to function under varying conditions of acceleration.