Problem with Coriolis Acceleration

In summary, the Coriolis acceleration due to the Earth's rotation for a plane flying 600 mph due north at an elevation of 80 meters above sea level at the location of latitude (37˚13'04"N), longitude (121˚50'39"W) is calculated using the equation aCor = 2Ω × vxy, where Ω represents the Earth's rotation of 0.0000727 radians per second and vxy is equal to 268.22 m/s.
  • #1
dennis wang
2
0

Homework Statement


Find the magnitude in g's of the Coriolis acceleration due to the Earth's rotation of a plane flying 600 mph due north over the location of latitude (37˚13'04"N), longitude (121˚50'39"W), at an elevation of 80 meters above mean sea level.

Homework Equations


aCor = 2Ω × vxy

The Attempt at a Solution


n/a
 
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  • #2
On homework problems, you will have to show some work to get help. What values or calculations can you give for ##\Omega## and ##v_{xy}##?
 
  • #3
FactChecker said:
On homework problems, you will have to show some work to get help. What values or calculations can you give for ##\Omega## and ##v_{xy}##?

##\Omega## = Earth's rotation=0.0000727
##v_{xy}## = 268.22 m/s
 
  • #4
dennis wang said:
##\Omega## = Earth's rotation=0.0000727
##v_{xy}## = 268.22 m/s
Sorry, these are vectors. I should have used a notation that made that clear. The better representation is
##\vec a_{Cor} = 2\vec \Omega \times \vec v##
(I'm not sure right now what your xy subscript is for)
 
  • #5
dennis wang said:
##\Omega## = Earth's rotation=0.0000727
When using three significant figures, the relevant rotation rate in radians per second would relate to the sidereal day, not to the solar day.

[Though it is not clear that the "600 mph" parameter is good to three significant figures]
 

What is Coriolis acceleration?

Coriolis acceleration is a phenomenon in which an object moving in a rotating frame of reference experiences an apparent acceleration due to the rotation of the frame.

What causes the problem with Coriolis acceleration?

The problem with Coriolis acceleration arises when attempting to apply Newton's laws of motion in a rotating frame of reference. These laws only hold true in an inertial frame of reference, and the rotating frame is considered non-inertial due to the presence of the Coriolis acceleration.

How does Coriolis acceleration affect objects on Earth?

Coriolis acceleration plays a role in the movement of objects on Earth, particularly in large-scale systems such as weather patterns and ocean currents. It causes objects to deflect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Can Coriolis acceleration be observed in everyday life?

Yes, Coriolis acceleration can be observed in everyday life. One common example is the rotation of a spinning top, in which the top appears to move in a curved path due to the Coriolis acceleration. It also affects the trajectory of projectiles, such as bullets fired from a rotating gun.

How is Coriolis acceleration accounted for in scientific calculations?

In scientific calculations, Coriolis acceleration is accounted for by introducing an additional term into the equations of motion. This term takes into account the velocity of the object and the angular velocity of the rotating frame of reference, and allows for accurate predictions of the object's motion in a non-inertial frame.

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