Multiple choice

If the earth stops spinning about its own axis, what will be the change in acceleration due to gravity on the equator? Given the angular speed is 7.27 × 10-5 rad/sec.

  1. 3.38 cm/s2

  2. 4.45 cm/s2

  3. 3.0 cm/s2

  4. 5.55 cm/s2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Effective acceleration due to gravity is given by, g’ = g-Rω2 cos2Ө. Hence, change in acceleration due to gravity is given as, ∆g = g’-g = - Rω2 cos2Ө At equator Ө = 0. Hence, g’-g = -R ω2 = -6.4×106× (7.27×10-5)2 = -0.0338 m/s2 Or, g’-g = -3.38 cm/s2 The (-) ve sign signifies that the decrease in gravitational acceleration is due to the rotation of earth.

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