Equator vs Pole: How Does Rotation Affect Weight?

In summary, the difference in weight between the equator and the poles is primarily caused by the Earth's rotation, resulting in a slightly lower weight at the equator due to the centrifugal force. This difference is very small, around 0.5% of an individual's total weight. Objects with greater mass and closer distance to the Earth's center will experience a greater difference in weight. However, there is no difference in gravitational pull between the equator and the poles, and this weight difference does not affect Earth's overall mass.
  • #1
Uno Lee
51
0
As the Earth is spinning, how much more would a kg of say, platinum, bought at the equator, weigh at the North pole?
 
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  • #2
there is only a plus 0.3% difference at either pole
 
  • #3
3 grams of platinum for free! Isn't that worth about $100?
 
  • #4
shhh keep this a secret...I know this great deal on a bridge in New York..for a couple hundred dollars it can be yours!
 
  • #5
I can't seem to find any place to sell platinum at either pole!
 
  • #6
wow that's odd, i heard all the "in" polar bear were wearing it this season.
 

1. What causes the difference in weight between the equator and the poles?

The main factor that causes the difference in weight between the equator and the poles is the Earth's rotation. The rotation of the Earth causes a centrifugal force that is greater at the equator than at the poles. This centrifugal force counteracts the force of gravity, resulting in a slightly lower weight at the equator.

2. How much weight difference is there between the equator and the poles?

The difference in weight between the equator and the poles is very small, on the order of 0.5% of an individual's total weight. This means that someone who weighs 150 pounds at the poles would weigh only about 149.25 pounds at the equator.

3. Does the weight difference between the equator and the poles affect objects differently?

Yes, the weight difference between the equator and the poles affects objects differently depending on their mass and distance from the Earth's center. Objects with a greater mass will experience a greater difference in weight, while objects closer to the Earth's surface will experience a smaller difference.

4. Is there a difference in gravitational pull at the equator and the poles?

No, the gravitational pull at the equator and the poles is the same. The difference in weight is due to the Earth's rotation, not a difference in gravitational pull. Gravitational pull is determined by the mass and distance between two objects, not the rotation of one of the objects.

5. How does the weight difference at the equator and the poles affect Earth's overall mass?

The weight difference between the equator and the poles does not affect Earth's overall mass. This is because the weight difference is caused by the Earth's rotation, which does not change the amount of mass on the planet. Therefore, Earth's mass remains constant regardless of the weight difference at different latitudes.

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