Earth's centrifugal force, a result of its rotation, varies depending on your location on the planet.
Based on the provided reference, the centrifugal force at the Earth's equator is 0.033 ms⁻².
Understanding the Value
This specific value of 0.033 ms⁻² is calculated using the formula for centrifugal acceleration, which is Ω²R, where:
- Ω (Omega) is the angular velocity of Earth's rotation (approximately 7.27 × 10⁻⁵ radians per second).
- R is the radius of the Earth at the specific latitude (maximal at the equator).
The calculation shown in the reference is:
(7.27 × 10⁻⁵ s⁻¹)² × (6.378 × 10⁶ m) = 0.033 ms⁻²
Impact on Gravity
The reference highlights the significance of this force, particularly at the equator:
- The value of the acceleration due to gravity (g) is not constant across the Earth's surface.
- At the poles, 'g' is approximately 9.832 m s⁻².
- At the equator, 'g' is approximately 9.780 ms⁻².
- The difference is 9.832 - 9.780 = 0.052 ms⁻².
- The centrifugal force at the equator (0.033 ms⁻²) accounts for a substantial portion, almost two-thirds, of this observed difference in the value of 'g' between the equator and the poles.
This is because the centrifugal force acts outwards, opposing the gravitational pull inwards. Its effect is greatest at the equator, where the rotational speed is highest and the force is directed exactly opposite to gravity. At the poles, the centrifugal force is zero.
It's important to note that this centrifugal effect is one factor contributing to the variation in 'g'; the Earth's slightly oblate shape (bulging at the equator) is another significant factor.
