DIffering Weight at equator and poles

In summary, the equator has a greater centripetal acceleration than the poles, which causes a weaker normal force.
  • #1
gake
12
0

Homework Statement



23) A person weighs less at the equator than at the poles. The main reason for this has to do with
A) the spin of the Earth.
B) the shape of the Earth.
C) both the spin of the Earth and the shape of the Earth.
D) the influence of the sun, moon, and all the planets.
E) the law of action and reaction.
Answer: C



I understand how shape affects it, but I am puzzled about the effect of the spin.
 
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  • #2
If the Earth was spinning really, really fast, would you have a better chance of being launched into space standing on the equator or on one of the poles?
 
  • #3
gggg3

lewando said:
If the Earth was spinning really, really fast, would you have a better chance of being launched into space standing on the equator or on one of the poles?

Intuitively, I wish to say the equator, but I'm not certain why.

Is centripital acceleration greater at the equator, resulting in a weaker normal force? (As far as my question goes)
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Your intuition is working well. Centripetal acceleration is greater at the equator than the pole(s). It is nonexistent at the poles. It is a lot less than gravitational acceleration but still significant.

One way to think about it is this: in order for you to stay attached to the Earth at the equator (assume for the moment there is no gravity), a centripetal force needs to act upon you to keep you in place. Otherwise you would travel along the line of your tangential velocity and become quickly "unattached". Turning gravity back on, gravitational force more than provides the required centripetal force to keep you in place. If we increase the Earth's rotation enough so that the centripetal force required to keep you on the surface exactly matches the force due to gravity, you become effectively weightless, just barely earthbound. Stop the Earth from spinning and your weight at the equator will be no different from the poles (ignoring shape effects).
 
  • #6
Thank you :)
 

1. Why is there a difference in weight between the equator and poles?

The difference in weight at the equator and poles is due to the Earth's shape and rotation. The Earth is not a perfect sphere, but rather an oblate spheroid, meaning it is flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. This bulge at the equator causes objects to weigh less compared to the poles, where the Earth's gravity is stronger.

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

The difference in weight between the equator and poles is very small, usually less than 1% of an object's total weight. This difference is due to the Earth's rotation, which causes the equator to experience centrifugal force, making objects feel slightly lighter.

3. Does this difference in weight affect our daily lives?

No, the difference in weight between the equator and poles is so small that it has no noticeable effect on our daily lives. This difference only becomes significant when measuring very precise scientific experiments, such as with satellites or in geodesy.

4. Is there a difference in weight between the North Pole and South Pole?

Yes, there is a slight difference in weight between the North Pole and South Pole, but it is very small and not noticeable in everyday life. This is due to the Earth's rotation and the slight difference in shape between the two poles.

5. How does the difference in weight at the equator and poles affect gravity?

The difference in weight at the equator and poles does not affect gravity itself, but rather the perceived weight of objects. Gravity is a constant force that pulls objects towards the center of the Earth, but the Earth's rotation and shape can cause slight variations in how much objects weigh in different locations.

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