2006-10-09 05:14:39 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
A paratrooper coming down toward the ground after jumping out of an airplane will be moving together with the Earth's rotation, because the paratrooper and Earth's atmosphere all have the same rotational inertia as the Earth. Therefore, when one jumps out of an airplane, the ground is not moving away due to Earth's rotation. The dominate factors in determining where the paratrooper will land is wind, and his/her ability to control the parachute.
2006-10-09 05:42:22 · answer #1 · answered by PhysicsDude 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The real point is that the earth is moving very little with respect to the AIR. And that movement is known when they compensate for wind. Further, paratroopers have significant influence on their direction of travel as they pull cords and change the shape of the chute as they descend.
2006-10-09 11:35:42 · answer #2 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is the paratrooper not moving in relation to the earth, even as the earth is moving, and therefore the earth's motion has already been taken into account?
Ah so young grasshopper.
2006-10-09 05:17:59 · answer #3 · answered by bequalming 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Earth's rotation has no net effect as everything in the frame of reference is moving at the same velocity.
The wind is the problem!!!!
2006-10-09 05:22:36 · answer #4 · answered by andyoptic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋