What was the rotational velocity of Earth on Dec 31, 1899

In summary, rotational velocity is the speed at which an object rotates around its own axis. It is typically measured in units of radians per second or degrees per second. The rotational velocity of Earth has changed over time due to various factors, but the difference is very small and may not be noticeable on a day-to-day basis. The exact rotational velocity of Earth on Dec 31, 1899 cannot be determined, but the average rotational velocity is approximately 1670 kilometers per hour or 1037 miles per hour. The rotational velocity of Earth can be altered by external forces, but these changes are extremely small and cannot be easily detected by humans.
  • #1
Patrick Aberdeen
7
2
I ask because time is defined with reference to this day (the SI second is based on a caesium clock is calibrated with reference to the 1952 ephemeris time standard, which was based on a second being 1/86 400th of Jan 0, 1900 (with Jan 0 being Dec 31 of 1899).

So... how do I calculate the rotational velocity of Earth on that day?
 
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  • #2
Divide the length of the day by how far Earth rotated.

(hint: it isn't 360 degrees)
 
  • #3
Right- of course! that's embarrassing :-p - thanks!

360.9856° / 86400 s = 0.004178°/s or 15.041°/hr

Thank you Russ
 
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1. What is rotational velocity?

Rotational velocity is the speed at which an object rotates around its own axis.

2. How is rotational velocity measured?

Rotational velocity is typically measured in units of radians per second or degrees per second.

3. Was the rotational velocity of Earth on Dec 31, 1899 different from its current value?

Yes, the rotational velocity of Earth has changed over time due to factors such as tidal forces, earthquakes, and changes in Earth's shape. However, the difference is very small and may not be noticeable on a day-to-day basis.

4. What was the specific rotational velocity of Earth on Dec 31, 1899?

The exact rotational velocity of Earth on Dec 31, 1899 cannot be determined as it varies slightly depending on the location on Earth's surface. However, the average rotational velocity of Earth is approximately 1670 kilometers per hour or 1037 miles per hour.

5. Can the rotational velocity of Earth be changed?

Yes, the rotational velocity of Earth can be altered by external forces such as large meteor impacts or human activities like building large dams. However, these changes are extremely small and cannot be easily detected by humans.

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