Gravity Problem: Equator vs Poles - What Happens?

In summary, if the Earth stops rotating, the value of 'g' will increase by Rω2 at the equator but will remain the same at the poles. This is because of the centrifugal force at the equator and the lack of it at the poles. When standing on a scale at the equator, the reading is determined by your apparent weight, which takes into account the centrifugal force. When the Earth stops rotating, this force disappears and the reading on the scale will increase. This does not happen at the poles because there is no centrifugal force to begin with. Understanding this concept at the equator will help clarify the concept at the poles.
  • #1
anigeo
84
0
if the Earth stops rotating , the value of 'g' will increase by Rω2 at the equator but will remain same at the poles.how does it happen?could you please explain me this?
 
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  • #2
Imagine something was resting on a scale (such as a bathroom scale). What determines the reading of the scale? (Apply Newton's 2nd law.)
 
  • #3
Doc Al said:
Imagine something was resting on a scale (such as a bathroom scale). What determines the reading of the scale? (Apply Newton's 2nd law.)

Can u be a little more precise.i could not get what u said.
 
  • #4
anigeo said:
Can u be a little more precise.i could not get what u said.
What didn't you understand?

Imagine you are at the equator standing on a scale. The scale reads your apparent weight. If the Earth stopped rotating, how would the reading change?
 
  • #5
then doc, what about the poles?
 
  • #6
anigeo said:
then doc, what about the poles?
When you figure out the answer at the equator, the answer at the poles will be clear.
 
  • #7
Doc Al said:
When you figure out the answer at the equator, the answer at the poles will be clear.
i got the point clearly`.
thanx.
 

1. What is the difference in gravity between the equator and the poles?

The gravity at the equator is slightly less than at the poles due to the centrifugal force from the Earth's rotation. This causes the Earth to bulge slightly at the equator, making the distance from the center of mass slightly greater than at the poles.

2. How much does gravity vary between the equator and the poles?

The difference in gravity between the equator and the poles is very small, about 0.5% or 0.03 m/s². This means that a person who weighs 100 kg at the poles would weigh only 99.5 kg at the equator.

3. Why is there a difference in gravity between the equator and the poles?

The Earth is not a perfect sphere, it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. This shape, combined with the Earth's rotation, causes the centrifugal force that results in a slightly lower gravity at the equator.

4. What would happen if there was no difference in gravity between the equator and the poles?

If there was no difference in gravity between the equator and the poles, the Earth would need to be a perfect sphere and not rotate. This would have significant impacts on our planet's climate, ocean currents, and even the length of a day.

5. How does the difference in gravity between the equator and the poles affect objects on Earth?

The difference in gravity between the equator and the poles is so small that it does not significantly affect objects on Earth. However, it does play a role in the Earth's overall shape and rotation, which in turn affects global weather patterns and navigation systems.

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