Physics problem: (speed of a point on earth)

AI Thread Summary
The speed of a point on the equator due to Earth's rotation is calculated using the formula v = (2*pi*r) / period, where the period is 24 hours. For a point at 45 degrees N latitude, the radius must be adjusted using trigonometry to find the effective radius. A right triangle can be drawn to visualize this, with the hypotenuse as Earth's radius and one side representing the radius at that latitude. The radial acceleration equation a = (V^2) / r is not directly applicable for calculating speed in this context. Understanding the correct radius is crucial for accurate calculations.
lmf22
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
What is the speed of a point on the equator of the Earth due to Earth's daily rotation?

What is the speed of a point at latitude of 45 degrees N?

Can I use the radial acceleration equation:
a = (V^2) / r

or

v = (2*pi*r) / period
where period = 24 hours = 86400s
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well... since the problem asks for speed, don't you think you should use the formula for speed? :smile: (Be sure to use the correct radius.)
 
How do I figure out the radius at 45 degress latitude?
 
Draw yourself a picture. You'll find a right triangle whose hypotenuse is the radius of the earth. One of the sides is the radius you want. Use some trig.
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Back
Top