0

ADNAN MUHAMMED

Grade 12,

Courses New

How does the Earth's rotation affect the measurement of the weight of an object at the equator?

How does the Earth's rotation affect the measurement of the weight of an object at the equator?

Grade:upto college level

1 Answers

Navjyot Kalra
askIITians Faculty 654 Points
8 years ago
First consider that the Earth is stationary. The weight of the person say mg is balanced by the normal force N thereby accounting for the vertical equilibrium of person.
With the Earth rotating, the centrifugal force acts on the person, pushing him away from the axis of rotation. Therefore the centrifugal force acts opposite to the direction of weight mg such that the net weight of the person is mg - Fc (where Fc is the centrifugal force on the person).
Thus one can see that the net weight of the person is lower in magnitude than its weight, had the Earth not been rotating. Therefore the rotation of Earth reduces the effective weight of the person.

Think You Can Provide A Better Answer ?

Other Related Questions on Mechanics

View all Questions ยป

ASK QUESTION

Get your questions answered by the expert for free

Answer and earn gift vouchers

Win Gift vouchers upto Rs 500/-

View courses by askIITians

Design classes One-on-One in your own way with Top IITians/Medical Professionals

Click Here Know More

Complete Self Study Package designed by Industry Leading Experts

Click Here Know More

Live 1-1 coding classes to unleash the Creator in your Child

Click Here Know More

a Complete All-in-One Study package Fully Loaded inside a Tablet!

Click Here Know More