2006-08-28 06:23:13 · 7 answers · asked by shanti g 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
Answer:
To a first-order approximation the Earth is round. This
is due to gravity. Gravity pulls with equal strength in all
directions; therefore any variations from a spherical
shape will lead to gravitational forces that
bring the shape back into that of a sphere.
This is without considering the rotation of the earth,
however. The rotation of the earth adds centrifugal
effects, which cause the earth to bulge slightly at
its equator and flatten slightly at its poles.
(This is like twirling a rock on the end of a string
and then letting go--the rock flies away from the
twirler.) Because of these centrifugal effects, the
distance from the center of the earth to the surface
of the earth is about 0.33% shorter at the poles
compared to the equator.
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Note: The first paragraph is true because gravitational force greatly outweighs all other forces acting against Earth.
2006-08-28 06:38:14 · answer #1 · answered by ³√carthagebrujah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so it can orbit, so gravity can have a real pull on water and people, to regulate time, regulate seasons, a sphere just has the perfect dimensions to support all of the physics of the world.
God wanted it this way.
2006-08-28 13:30:21 · answer #2 · answered by ♣ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So that the water in the oceans could flow more smoothly?
Imagine the earth been a square.. there would so many big waterfalls..
HaHaHa.. :P
2006-08-28 13:31:38 · answer #3 · answered by moshimok 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because when it was formed long ago it was magma wich is a liquid and liquids form round shapes when un acted apon
2006-08-28 15:50:15 · answer #4 · answered by barbariandarrylgellatly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because you touch yourself at night.
2006-08-28 13:32:55 · answer #5 · answered by Joshua R 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Becuase that is how God made it!
2006-08-28 13:27:29 · answer #6 · answered by creyentededios 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because its not square
2006-08-28 13:28:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋