Does Distance Affect Angular Velocity and Tangential Velocity on Earth?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between distance, angular velocity, and tangential velocity in the context of Earth's rotation. Participants are exploring how these concepts interrelate and questioning their understanding of the definitions involved.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to clarify the definitions of angular and tangential velocity, noting that angular velocity is independent of distance while tangential velocity is dependent on it. Others express uncertainty about the original question and its implications.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their interpretations and seeking clarification. Some guidance has been offered regarding the definitions of angular and tangential velocity, but there is no explicit consensus on the original question's intent.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the vagueness of the teacher's question, which may be contributing to the confusion and varied interpretations of the problem.

Eternalmetal
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1. How do various distances influence the angular velocity of earth? Tangential velocity? explain



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3. For some reason, I tend to think that distance doesn't relate, but I do not know where to begin to explain. I also could not find the answer in my physics book.
 
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Im a little unsure of the question, but...

Angular velocity has nothing to do with the radius of ( or distance from ) the earth. Its purely how many times something is rotating per unit time.

Tangential velocity does depend on distance and you need only to think about it. If I want to make one lap around my around a circle of radius R, it would take me t seconds to do it, and you can also visualize the distance covered as a straight line whose length is simply the perimeter of the circle. To run the perimeter of larger and larger circles in the same amount of time ( so you angular velocity would be the same ) you are going to have to run faster and faster to keep up.

Make sense?
 
Kind of, although I am also unsure of exactly what she is asking. My teacher is vague like that.
 
Eternalmetal said:
My teacher is vague like that.

Ironic :wink:
 
Considering my teacher made up the question, I don't see the irony :lol:
 

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