Calculating Apparent Weight Difference Between Equator and South Pole

In summary, the radius of the Earth is 6378.1 km and it completes one revolution per day. The difference in apparent weight between a person of 65kg mass standing on the south pole and a person of the same mass standing on the equator is 0.00214N. This is due to the centrifugal force felt at the equator and the full gravity felt at the south pole.
  • #1
bigsaucy
38
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Hello all, just a few problems that I've worked through, just clarifying if I'm on the right track. Thank you in advance.

1.) The radius of the Earth is 6378.1 km and completes one revolution per day. Calculate the difference in apparent weight between a person of 65kg mass, standing on the south pole and a person of the same mass standing on the equator. (Assume both are at sea-level).

My Solution:
The velocity at which the Earth rotates is simply 2pi(6378.1km) divided by the time taken in seconds (86400 seconds since it takes 24 hours to rotate) this gives 0.46 m/s. The centrifugal force felt by an individual at the equator is then the opposite of the centripetal force which gives -0.00214N. The individual at the south pole feels the full pull of the Earth at 9.8 m/s^2.
Therefore the difference in apparent weight is just 0.00214N.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
your solution is correct.
 
  • #3
i have not checked the calculations though.
 

What is the concept of calculating apparent weight difference between the equator and South Pole?

The concept of calculating apparent weight difference between the equator and South Pole is based on the difference in gravitational pull at different locations on Earth due to its shape and rotation. The Earth is not a perfect sphere, and its rotation causes a centrifugal force that is stronger at the equator and weaker at the poles. This results in a difference in the perceived weight of an object at different locations on Earth.

How is the apparent weight difference calculated?

The apparent weight difference can be calculated by using the formula W = mg, where W is the weight of the object, m is its mass, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. The value of g varies at different locations on Earth, and can be affected by factors such as altitude and local geology. Therefore, to calculate the apparent weight difference between the equator and South Pole, the values of g at these two locations must be used in the formula.

What is the difference in gravitational pull between the equator and South Pole?

The difference in gravitational pull between the equator and South Pole is approximately 0.5%, with the equator having a slightly weaker gravitational pull due to the centrifugal force caused by the Earth's rotation. This means that an object weighing 100 pounds at the equator would weigh approximately 99.5 pounds at the South Pole.

Why is there a difference in gravitational pull between the equator and South Pole?

The difference in gravitational pull between the equator and South Pole is due to the shape and rotation of the Earth. The Earth's bulging at the equator and flattening at the poles, combined with its rotation, results in a centrifugal force that affects the perceived weight of an object at different locations on the Earth's surface.

What are the practical applications of calculating the apparent weight difference between the equator and South Pole?

The calculation of the apparent weight difference between the equator and South Pole is important for various fields such as geology, geophysics, and engineering. It helps in understanding the Earth's shape and its rotation, and can also aid in the design and construction of structures and transportation systems that need to function at different locations on Earth. Additionally, it can also be used in scientific experiments and studies that require precise measurements of weight and gravity.

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