Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: GlentoranMark on 27/11/2010 13:30:05

Title: Why does the Earth's spin not make flying objects move?
Post by: GlentoranMark on 27/11/2010 13:30:05

Mark Coey  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi Guys, love the show (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/) and I listen every week (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/), I even partake in the odd forum question.

Anyway, I read that the Earth spins at 1,000 Miles Per Hour at the equator (source below) which equates to 27 miles per second (I used a calculator) How is it that if I throw a stick up in the air and it takes a second to accomplish, the stick doesn't land 27 miles away.

I sort of know the answer but I can't get my head completely round it.

source: http://geography.about.com/library/faq/blqzearthspin.htm

Regards

Mark C, in Belfast

What do you think?

Title: Why does the Earth's spin not make flying objects move?
Post by: SteveFish on 27/11/2010 17:37:15

If you toss a ball in a moving car it doesn't fly off at the speed the car is traveling because you, the ball, the air in the car, and the car are all moving at the same speed. As for the earth, on the other hand, the Coriolis effect causes an apparent motion of moving air and flying objects, but this is due to rotation, not surface speed, and isn't something you can see when you throw a ball.

Title: Why does the Earth's spin not make flying objects move?
Post by: maffsolo on 27/11/2010 22:38:46

It is an experience to fly from the east coast to the west coast, in a commercial airline at over 1000 miles an hour with reference to earth, you land at the same time of day at lift off.
Promoting a Bright psychological emotional outlook.
But fly, at the same speed, from the West coast to the east coast and you are landing 8 hrs later. Making you feel like your dragging your arse, even though you are in flight for only 4 hours.




 

Title: Why does the Earth's spin not make flying objects move?
Post by: yor_on on 04/12/2010 06:53:30

There's been experiment on mice recently showing that jet-lag have long lasting effects, maybe staying for years, impairing your waking cycle and brain activity. but yeah, Steve got it.

Not jet-lag, but the question right I think :)

Imagine it the other way, that pole spinning away and the air 'standing still'. It have to create a 'friction' between surfaces? Considering that Earths surface will spin with different 'speeds' depending on the 'thickness' of the globe. Shouldn't that add a reason to how winds move?