• Question: what's the max amount of g-force a human can take?

    Asked by itzwill to Niamh, Dimitrios, Stacey on 21 Jun 2017. This question was also asked by itzwill_s.
    • Photo: Niamh Ryall

      Niamh Ryall answered on 21 Jun 2017:

      It depends on how much of you is exposed as G is simply a way of measuring force. Roller coasters provide 3G of force. Most untrained people will pass out at 4-6 Gs, but with proper preparation and suits (like for astronauts) people can withstand 9Gs. It also depends on direction. Upwards, people lose consciousness as blood moves away from the brain.

    • Photo: Stacey Marple

      Stacey Marple answered on 21 Jun 2017:

      Like Niamh says with preparation 9 to 10G. Military pilots and astronauts train themselves by deliberately inducing g-loc, or g-induced loss of consciousness, It’s fascinating to see how quickly pilots lose consciousness, and how long it takes for them to snap out of it and regain full awareness. Pilots wear special g-suits that prevent blood from pooling in the legs and abdomen, away from the brain (the cause of g-loc). They also learn to tense their bodies, it is quite funny to watch!

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