Gravitational Acceleration — Rotating EarthHardQuestion 30754
Question
At latitude λ on Earth's surface (angular velocity ω, radius R), effective g is approximately:
- Ag − ω²R
- Bg − ω²R cos²λCorrect
- Cg − ω²R cosλ
- Dg + ω²R cos²λ
Correct answer
g − ω²R cos²λ
Explanation
The centripetal acceleration at latitude λ = ω²R cosλ directed toward the rotation axis. Its component along the local vertical (radially outward) = ω²R cos²λ. Effective g = g − ω²R cos²λ.