If you weigh 120 lbs standing on the equator, how much would you weigh while standing on the North Pole?

Question

Considering the Earths rotation and the laws of centrifigal force.

Answer 1

Assuming in both cases that you were standing at sea level you would weigh 120.63 lb approx depending on local geological conditions (source gravitational tables The Economist Desk Companion)

Answer 2

But the fundamental question is... why? Why does someone weigh more at the north pole?

Someone answered it above - because as the Earth rotates, it flattens itself out a bit. Centrifugal force has made it, to a very small degree, like an oval - the region around the equator bulges out, and the poles are a big flat, so we're not perfectly spherical. But, I don't think it's enough discrepancy to increase your weight by 2 ounces. It would probably be closer to a fraction of an ounce.

Still though, the question lingers - why? Well, it's called the Inverse Squared law, which states that gravitational attraction is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Essentially - as your distance away from Earth increases, the gravitational force exerted by Earth upon you decreases. So, if you stood in the Marianna Trench, you'll weigh a fudge more than if you stood atop Mount Everest.

Hopefully this helps!

Answer 3

I see where you're coming from, but it's not as simple as you think. A persons weight is a function of the gravity at the point they're standing at. Gravity at any point depends on the mass of material below them. Thie varies depending on the density of the rock below them.

If the world was completely homogenous, a person would weigh more at the equator, because the spin of the Earth and the gravitational attraction of the moon and sun cause the Earth to bulge slightly, meaning there is more rock between you and the Earths centre at the equator than at the poles.

However, the Earth is heterogenous, so this may not work. You'd have to use a gravimeter to calculate gravity at the two points and then work out your weight!

Answer 4

What I would consider is the distance to the center of the earth is a little less at the north pole, so you would weigh a bit more at the north pole. 120 lbs and 2 ounces.

Answer 5

The acceleration due to rotation at the equator would be approximately 0.07 feet pet second. or 0.22 percent of gravity. Ignoring the slight flattening of the poles and the heterogeneity of the mass of the Earth (metal deposits,etc.), then a 120 lbs person would weigh 120.26 lbs at the poles. (four ounces more).
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Velocity at the equator=25,000 miles per 24 hours x 5280 feet per mile x 60 minutes per hour x 60 seconds per hour = 1157 feet per second (supersonic). The velocity on the other side of the rotation is completely reversed in twelve hours meaning the acceleration is 1157 feet per second times 2 divided by 12 hours divided by 60 minutes per hour and divided by 60 seconds per minute gives 0.0707 feet per second per second.

Answer 6

i became in choir from third grade each and each and every of how up till hight college and became always informed no longer to lock your knees because you should fall or faint. I actual have considered it ensue to three human beings over the years, purely each and each and every of the unexpected. i don't understand for positive if it is the reason or no longer yet i understand that i became many times informed by technique of quite a few distinct directors (which incorporates the only which directed me when I sang at Carnegie hall in ny) no longer to lock my knees, so there is were given to be some thing to this, top? delusion or no longer, I have a tendency to imagine it is authentic.

Answer 7

120 lbs

Answer 8

I would say your weight is the same, since the only factors affecting your weight are your mass and gravity. w=m*g, well it may vary almost nothing since the value for gravity (9.80665 m/s^2) also varies from location to location, but I dont think it varies enough to go over a pound.

Answer 9

the same
if you want to change your weight, go to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and the top of Mt. Everest.

you'll probably wiegh only .1% less on top of Mt. Everest, but thats about the only change you'll get on earth. (well, the only natural change)

Answer 10

oh I think same