Earth Spin and Rotation: Effects of Fast and Heavy Objects

[gianeshwar]

If a fast moving and heavy object strikes earth,can it change its spin or rotation or both?

 

[Simon Bridge]

What is the distinction between spin and rotation in this context?

Pending that clarification, the short answer to your question is "yes".

 

[UltrafastPED]

Even large earthquakes can change the Earth's spin & wobble:
http://www.space.com/11115-japan-earthquake-shortened-earth-days.html

By rotation I assume you mean the Earth's rotation about the center of mass of the earth-moon system, or perhaps about the sun?

Both changed when the moon collided with the Earth ~4.5 billion years ago:
http://www.space.com/18106-moon-formation-earth-giant-impact.html

 

[gianeshwar]

Thanks for reply.
By spin I meant about Earth axis and by rotation I meant rotation(revolution) of Earth about Sun.
For change in spin,I further specify that if the high speed heavy object pushes Earth almost tangentially(not just grazing)

 

[Meir Achuz]

If all of China started running east at the same time, that would do it.

 

[Simon Bridge]

Thanks for reply.
By spin I meant about Earth axis and by rotation I meant rotation(revolution) of Earth about Sun.
For change in spin,I further specify that if the high speed heavy object pushes Earth almost tangentially(not just grazing)

OK then, we have given you the correct answers in posts #2 and #3. Enjoy.

If all of China started running east at the same time, that would do it.

Isn't all of China already East? They'd have to run west...