Assuming the Earth is a perfect sphere of radius R. By how much would your mass (m), as given by a scale, change if you measured it on the north pole and on the equator?

The key observation here is that the Earth is spinning (angular velocity w) and so are you. The scale will give one number or another depending on the force that you exert on it, and by Newton's 3rd Law that is equal and opposite to the force that it exerts on you (i.e the normal force). On the north pole you are sitting just on the axis of rotation, so the centripetal force is zero. However, on the equator the centripetal force is no longer zero, so the normal has to be slightly smaller than your weight to keep you rotating. Bringing in some maths: Centripetal force= Your weight - normal N=mg-mRw^2=mg(1-rw^2/g)= what the scale "thinks" you weight. Hence, the readings are different by a factor of (1-rw^2/g)

JP
Answered by Javier P. Physics tutor

1979 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

The Heisenberg Uncertainty principle states that ΔxΔp > h/4π. What is represented by the terms Δx, and Δp? What can we say about p if the precise value of x is known? What does this mean for experimental results.


Explain the wave - particle duality


There is a train A. On the roof of A is another frictionless train B of mass Mb. A mass Mc hangs off the front of A and is attached to the front of B by rope and frictionless pulley. How fast should A accelerate so that B wont fall off the roof of A.


Calculate the threshold frequency for a metal with a work function of 3eV


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences