If Earth is like a top,a top spins for sometime & comes to rest(due to frictional force). But what about Earth??
2006-09-01 22:02:45 · 12 answers · asked by tanniburi 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Geography
The Earth, as mentioned previously, does not have any friction resisting its rotation; it is floating in space so there is nothing to rub against and slow down.
That's not to say the Earth is not slowing down. First of all, the person who stated it was due to the friction of the atmosphere and 'fluid sloshing around' inside is completely off-base. The atmosphere moves with the surface. If it did not, there would be continual 1,000-mph winds at the Equator, which is clearly not the case. And the liquid core is also synchronized in rotation with the rest of the planet.
So what is causing it to slow down? The tidal effects of the Moon, and to a lesser extent the Sun. These drag enourmous quantities of water around the globe, at a much slower rate of rotation, which over time) lots and lots and lots of time, billions of years) is making the length of the day longer. But while tidal forces cause a large force, the angular momentum of the planet is still much larger.
It's still rotating now because it has colossal angular momentum. It's just like a flywheel; the continuation of the rotation is its natural state. It does not require any driving force to continue rotating at the same speed.
2006-09-02 03:24:22 · answer #1 · answered by poorcocoboiboi 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Two points to consider. First, the earth IS slowing down, from friction between the surface and the atmosphere, and from the liquid part of the core sloshing around. Second, the moon causes drag with the tides, as does the sun with magnetic fields, also slowing the Earth's rotation.
2006-09-01 22:12:22 · answer #2 · answered by Like An Ibis 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A top stops becuse of the friction produced between the earth and the top. In the case of earth, there is no interacting layer with the earth because the space around the earth is empty. So there is no friction to act on earth. Hence it doesnot stop.
2006-09-01 23:39:40 · answer #3 · answered by s s 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What is its friction? If you throw a ball in space, it will continue in that direction forever. Nothing to stop it. At least until it hits a planet or star or something. There is no friction for earth and gravity keeps it going.
2006-09-02 08:37:36 · answer #4 · answered by Ron B. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the air creates friction with the top.. the earth spins in a vacuum.. there's no friction in a vacuum.. plus the mass of the earth is being pulled by the gravitational force of the sun which the top hasn't enough mass to be acted on.
2006-09-01 22:06:43 · answer #5 · answered by soundmachineinc 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the moon's and sun's gravity is slowing the earth's rotation. with the slowing of the rotation, the gravitational force holding the moon in orbit is also weakening - hence the moon is drifting away. progressively solar and lunar eclipses won't be as long or spectacular. boo hoo!
2006-09-02 10:32:59 · answer #6 · answered by deepazure 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there's no friction space is like a vacum there's nothing not even air to stop earth
2006-09-03 07:25:40 · answer #7 · answered by ~CS~ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Earth is slowing down, but very, very slowly. Just like the moon is falling to earth at about a centimeter a year.
2006-09-02 07:39:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
A body in motion tends to remain in motion unless acted upon by an outside force
2006-09-01 22:07:58 · answer #9 · answered by bprice215 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
God is one hell of a Basketball player!
2006-09-01 22:05:33 · answer #10 · answered by Rock N' Roll Junkie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋