Rotational Motion of Celestial Body

In summary, the Sun's gravity force provides the centripetal force for the Earth to orbit around it, while the rotational motion of the Earth is caused by the conservation of angular momentum from the initial cloud that formed the solar system. An external torque is required to change the Earth's rotational behavior, but no torque is needed to maintain its rotation around its axis. However, external torques from the moon and sun do exist and can affect the Earth's rotation rate. It is believed that the Earth's rotation rate was faster in the past due to these external torques.
  • #1
Harmony
203
0
I understand that the Sun's gravity force provides the centripetal force for the Earth to orbit around it. However, what provides the torque for the rotational motion of Earth?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
The planets rotate due to the conservation of angular momentum of the initial cloud that formed the solar system.
 
  • #3
An external force is required to change an object's linear momentum. The same concept applies to rotational behavior as well. An external torque is required to change an object's angular momentum. No torque is needed to keep the Earth rotating about its axis. A torque would change the rotational motion.

That said, such external torques exist. The moon and sun act through the tides to slow the Earth's rotation rate. A day was considerably shorter when the Earth first formed than it is now.
 

1. What is rotational motion of celestial bodies?

Rotational motion of celestial bodies refers to the movement of an object in a circular or rotational path around an axis. This motion is commonly seen in planets, stars, and other celestial bodies.

2. What causes rotational motion of celestial bodies?

The rotational motion of celestial bodies is caused by the force of gravity. The gravitational force exerted by larger celestial bodies, such as a star or planet, can cause smaller objects to orbit around them.

3. How is rotational motion of celestial bodies measured?

Rotational motion of celestial bodies is measured in terms of angular velocity, which is the rate of change of the angle of rotation over time. It is typically measured in degrees per second or radians per second.

4. Can the rotational motion of celestial bodies change?

Yes, the rotational motion of celestial bodies can change over time. Factors such as collisions, gravitational interactions, and tidal forces can alter the rotational motion of celestial bodies.

5. What effects can the rotational motion of celestial bodies have?

The rotational motion of celestial bodies can have various effects, including creating day and night cycles, causing tides, and influencing the shape of the celestial body. It also plays a crucial role in the stability and dynamics of planetary systems.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
3
Views
148
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
2
Views
818
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
0
Views
122
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
24
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
951
Back
Top