Why 60: Exploring Earth's Rotational Consequences

  • Thread starter flesym_deredrum
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Rotational
BJ. In summary, the number 60 was chosen as the number of seconds in a minute and minutes in an hour by the Babylonians because 60 has multiple divisors and is easy to work with mathematically. If the Earth were to rotate more slowly, there could be consequences such as changes in gravity at different points on the Earth and potential long-term effects. To understand this, it would be helpful to study relative motions in non-inertial frames and consider the relationship between Earth and the Sun. The reasons for this hypothetical slowing down could also be explored.
  • #1
flesym_deredrum
2
0
I have this research about:

-why 60 as chosen as the number of seconds in a minute and of minutes in an hour;

-and the possible consequences if the Earth rotates more slowly, for example, once in 30 hours.

Please...any sort of help will do...I don't really know where to find the answers to this question and I tried to go here so...^^am counting on you guys..thanks in advance. ^_^
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Ask the Babilonians, anyway: 10=2x5, whereas 60=2x2x3x5.

For the second question, I think the best way is to study relative motions in non inertial frames, the Earth (apparent forces, relative velocity of the Winds, trajectory of a falling body, pendulums, ecc...), and related biological implications.
Then you should go on to consider Earth in his relationship with Sun, referring both to mechanical problems and radiation-thermodynamical ones.
It could be interesting to consider the reasons for this slowing down.
 
  • #3
hey thanks for your post Maxos, it did a lot of help. :blushing: :wink:
 
  • #4
If the Earth rotates slowly then gravity at equator increases and at poles remains the same.Increase in gravity every once in 30 seconds would lead to long term affects.

BJ
 
  • #5
thank you for appreciating
 

1. Why is the number 60 used in relation to Earth's rotation?

The number 60 is used because it is a highly divisible number and allows for easy measurement of time and angles. It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to use 60 as a base number due to its divisibility.

2. How does Earth's rotation affect the length of a day?

Earth's rotation on its axis determines the length of a day. As the Earth rotates, different parts of the planet are exposed to the sun, resulting in day and night. The rotation rate of Earth is constant, so the length of a day remains relatively consistent.

3. Is there any evidence that Earth's rotation is slowing down?

Yes, there is evidence that Earth's rotation is slowing down. This is due to the gravitational pull of the moon, which creates tidal friction and causes the Earth's rotation to gradually slow down over time. However, this change is very gradual and not noticeable in our day-to-day lives.

4. How does Earth's rotation affect the Coriolis effect?

The Coriolis effect is a result of Earth's rotation and its influence on moving objects. As the Earth rotates, objects on its surface are subject to a change in velocity due to the difference in rotational speed at different latitudes. This results in the deflection of objects, such as air currents and ocean currents, to the right in the Northern hemisphere and to the left in the Southern hemisphere.

5. Are there any other consequences of Earth's rotation?

Earth's rotation has many consequences, including creating the day and night cycle, affecting weather patterns through the Coriolis effect, and influencing the Earth's magnetic field. It also plays a role in the formation of ocean currents and the distribution of heat around the planet. Additionally, the Earth's rotation affects the length of a year, as it determines the time it takes for the Earth to complete one full rotation around the sun.

Similar threads

Replies
38
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
726
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
915
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
Back
Top