Rotation is fastest along? a) Equatorb) Tropic of Cancerc) Tropic of ...
Different parts of the Earth rotate at a different pace and rotation is fastest along the Equator.
This is due to the Earth's geoid shape, which bulges at the equator and flattens at the poles. So the distance for one rotation is greater at the equator than at the poles, time remaining the same, 24 hrs. In other words, the speed of rotation is greater along the equator.
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Rotation is fastest along? a) Equatorb) Tropic of Cancerc) Tropic of ...
Rotation is fastest along the Equator.
Rotation refers to the spinning of the Earth on its axis. The Earth takes approximately 24 hours to complete one rotation. However, the speed of rotation is not the same at all latitudes. It is fastest along the Equator.
Explanation:
- The Earth is an oblate spheroid, which means it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the Equator.
- The circumference of the Earth is largest at the Equator because of this bulging.
- As the Earth rotates, all points on its surface move in a circular path around the axis.
- The distance traveled by a point on the Earth's surface in one rotation is directly proportional to its distance from the axis of rotation.
- Therefore, a point on the Equator, which is farthest from the axis of rotation, has to travel a longer distance in the same amount of time compared to a point closer to the poles.
- Since the Earth takes 24 hours to complete one rotation, the speed of rotation is fastest along the Equator.
- At the poles, the speed of rotation is zero because the points are at the axis of rotation and do not move.
Consequences:
- The faster speed of rotation along the Equator has several consequences.
- The apparent deflection of moving objects (such as wind and ocean currents) due to the Earth's rotation, known as the Coriolis effect, is greatest at the Equator.
- The Coriolis effect influences the direction of trade winds, ocean currents, and the formation of cyclones.
- The faster rotation also affects the shape of the Earth, causing it to bulge at the Equator and flatten at the poles.
- The difference in speed of rotation between the Equator and the poles also contributes to the formation of atmospheric circulation cells, such as Hadley cells and Ferrel cells.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the rotation of the Earth is fastest along the Equator because the points on the Equator have to travel a longer distance in the same amount of time compared to points closer to the poles. This faster rotation has significant consequences on various atmospheric and oceanic phenomena and contributes to the overall shape of the Earth.