Centripetal Acceleration at 60 degrees

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating centripetal acceleration at different latitudes on Earth, specifically at the equator and at 60 degrees latitude. The original poster presents a problem involving Earth's radius and rotation period, seeking to understand the calculations for centripetal acceleration and its implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate centripetal acceleration at the equator and at 60 degrees latitude, expressing confusion about the second part of the problem. Some participants suggest using trigonometry and clarify that centripetal acceleration is related to axial rotation. Others question the interpretation of the problem, particularly regarding the required velocity for part c).

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing hints and guidance without revealing complete solutions. There is a mix of attempts to clarify concepts and calculations, with some participants expressing uncertainty about specific aspects of the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions the importance of accuracy in their calculations and expresses confusion about the phrasing of the problem, particularly regarding the phrase "to keep it on earth." There is also a reference to a broken link that was intended to provide additional help.

wikidrox
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Can't quite figure out how to start this problem.

If Earth's radius is 6378 km and has a period of 24 hrs. find:

a) centripetal acceleration of a particle at the equator.

I did this and got 0.03 m/s^2, but I can't figure out how to start the second part.

b) the centripetal acceleration of a particle at a 60 degree latitude.

and then

c) by what factor would the speed of Earth's rotation have to increase for a body on the equator to require a centripetal acceleration of 9.8 m/s^2 to keep it on earth?
 
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wikidrox said:
Can't quite figure out how to start this problem.
1) Assume the Earth is a sphere. 2) Remember that centripetal acceleration is caused by axial rotation and don't confuse this with rotation about the center of the earth. 3) use trig. for part b. 4) Use the equation for centripetal acceleration that contains the angular velocity for part c. 5) Post any more questions like this in the HW Help forum, please. 6) Good luck.
 
damn... link doesn't work

anyone else have any ideas?
 
The distance from the point on Earth at 60 degrees latitude to the axis of the Earth is the radius for the second part. Draw a picture and apply some trig.
 
ok great, thanks for the help.

i got
a) .0337m/s^2
b) .0168m/s^2

this is an important question so I need to get it right..

is it the correct way to show my answers as:
a) 3.4 x 10^-2 m/s^2
b) 1.7 x 10^-2 m/s^2

?


now I'm on part c) by what factor would the speed of Earth's rotation have to increase for a body on the equator to require a centripetal acceleration of 9.8 m/s^2 to keep it on earth?


Am i correct to assume that I'm just looking for the velocity required to give an answer of a = 9.8 m/s^2 ?

"to keep it on earth" is confusing me..

thanks
 
bullroar_86 said:
ok great, thanks for the help.

i got
a) .0337m/s^2
b) .0168m/s^2

this is an important question so I need to get it right..

is it the correct way to show my answers as:
a) 3.4 x 10^-2 m/s^2
b) 1.7 x 10^-2 m/s^2

?

Yes, or use m s^-2. Not sure about the last bit you had.
 

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