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The difference between the equatorial and polar diameters of the Earth is _____
Correct answer is '43'. Can you explain this answer?
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The difference between the equatorial and polar diameters of the Earth...
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According to the 2004 Working Group of the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS), Earth experiences a flattening of 0.0033528 at the poles. This flattening is due to Earth’s rotational velocity – a rapid 1,674.4 km/h (1,040.4 mph) – which causes the planet to bulge at the equator.Because of this, the diameter of the Earth at the equator is about 43 kilometers (27 mi) larger than the pole-to-pole diameter. As a result, the latest measurements indicate that the Earth has an equatorial diameter of 12,756 km (7926 mi), and a polar diameter of 12713.6 km (7899.86 mi).
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The difference between the equatorial and polar diameters of the Earth...
The Difference in Diameters
The Earth is not a perfect sphere; it is an oblate spheroid. This means that its diameter is slightly larger at the equator compared to the poles. The difference in these diameters is known to be approximately 43 kilometers.
Equatorial vs. Polar Diameter
- Equatorial Diameter:
- The equatorial diameter of the Earth is about 12,756 kilometers.
- Polar Diameter:
- The polar diameter is shorter, measuring approximately 12,713 kilometers.
Calculating the Difference
- Difference:
- To find the difference, simply subtract the polar diameter from the equatorial diameter:
- 12,756 km (equatorial) - 12,713 km (polar) = 43 km.
Reasons for the Difference
- Centrifugal Force:
- The Earth's rotation causes a bulging effect at the equator due to centrifugal force.
- Gravitational Forces:
- Gravitational forces also play a role in the shape of the Earth, contributing to its oblate spheroid form.
Significance of the Measurement
- Geophysical Studies:
- Understanding this difference is crucial in geophysics and for satellite positioning systems.
- Earth's Shape:
- It helps in comprehending Earth's dynamics and its gravitational field.
In summary, the Earth's oblate shape results in a difference of 43 kilometers between its equatorial and polar diameters, influenced by factors like rotation and gravity.
The Earth is not a perfect sphere; it is an oblate spheroid. This means that its diameter is slightly larger at the equator compared to the poles. The difference in these diameters is known to be approximately 43 kilometers.
Equatorial vs. Polar Diameter
- Equatorial Diameter:
- The equatorial diameter of the Earth is about 12,756 kilometers.
- Polar Diameter:
- The polar diameter is shorter, measuring approximately 12,713 kilometers.
Calculating the Difference
- Difference:
- To find the difference, simply subtract the polar diameter from the equatorial diameter:
- 12,756 km (equatorial) - 12,713 km (polar) = 43 km.
Reasons for the Difference
- Centrifugal Force:
- The Earth's rotation causes a bulging effect at the equator due to centrifugal force.
- Gravitational Forces:
- Gravitational forces also play a role in the shape of the Earth, contributing to its oblate spheroid form.
Significance of the Measurement
- Geophysical Studies:
- Understanding this difference is crucial in geophysics and for satellite positioning systems.
- Earth's Shape:
- It helps in comprehending Earth's dynamics and its gravitational field.
In summary, the Earth's oblate shape results in a difference of 43 kilometers between its equatorial and polar diameters, influenced by factors like rotation and gravity.
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The difference between the equatorial and polar diameters of the Earth is _____Correct answer is '43'. Can you explain this answer? for IIT JAM 2025 is part of IIT JAM preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the IIT JAM exam syllabus. Information about The difference between the equatorial and polar diameters of the Earth is _____Correct answer is '43'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for IIT JAM 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The difference between the equatorial and polar diameters of the Earth is _____Correct answer is '43'. Can you explain this answer?.
The difference between the equatorial and polar diameters of the Earth is _____Correct answer is '43'. Can you explain this answer? for IIT JAM 2025 is part of IIT JAM preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the IIT JAM exam syllabus. Information about The difference between the equatorial and polar diameters of the Earth is _____Correct answer is '43'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for IIT JAM 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The difference between the equatorial and polar diameters of the Earth is _____Correct answer is '43'. Can you explain this answer?.
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