2006-10-10 18:30:33 · 14 answers · asked by Sridhar V 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
There is evidence to show that the Earth´s rotation is slowing down. Some fossil corals which laid down a layer of calcium carbonate each day ( a bit like tree rings ) show over 400 layers per annum not the current 365. These coral layers also change with the seasons so that one `year`can be noted in the coral rings.
2006-10-12 03:12:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Inertia keeps it rotating, but it is slowing down. The reason for the slowing is friction, and that friction comes from the gravitational force of the moon. Although we know that the moon's gravitation causes tides in the oceans and other large bodies of water, there are also tides in the solid areas of earth. These tides are manifest in distortions of the earths lithosphere, which have a frictional effect, slowing the earth's rotation. The moon's rotation has already been slowed for the same reason, which is why the same lunar hemisphere faces the earth at all times. The slowing rotation of the earth is causing the lunar orbit to expand as well.
2006-10-10 18:44:49 · answer #2 · answered by gp4rts 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Vaccum Of Space Allows For No Friction i.e. No Force Present To Slow It Down. A Body In Motion Will Remain In Motion Unless Set Upon By An Outside Force. No Such Force Exists In Space.
2006-10-10 19:31:02 · answer #3 · answered by Domino 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Earth's rotation is slowing due to drag created by the Moon and eventually the Earth will have a 940 hour day.
2006-10-10 19:51:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here on Earth, when things are set in motion and eventually slow to a stop it's because an external net force, such as that due to friction or wind resistance, is acting on them. As the Earth rotates in the near vacuum of Space, there's nothing to stop it. Newtons' first law states that an object at rest will stay at rest if no net force is acting on it, and an object set in motion, will remain in motion as long as the net force acting on it is zero.
The Earth has, however slowed slightly. This could be due to the fact that space isn't a complete vacuum or it could be due to changes in the distribution of mass within the Earth, which causes a change in the angular momentum of the Earth to prevent newton's law from being violated.
2006-10-10 18:37:11 · answer #5 · answered by minuteblue 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The earth's rotation is slowing down,so much so, that it has entered into an "ecliptic" stage of rotation (the poles are wobbling) this usually happens on the terminal facet of spinning bodies. Of course it has been slowing down for thousands of years, and it may still take as many to stop.
2006-10-10 18:48:44 · answer #6 · answered by willgvaa 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
When earth and other planetory mass got separated as a result of what we know as big bang,due to G pull at this high velocity centrifugal force developed wich made them rotating. this u can observe by tying a ping pong ball to the ned of the string and whirling it. As there is no frictional forcee in the eather(vaccum) to stop it or slow it down they are still under this force and are still rotating.
2006-10-10 18:35:24 · answer #7 · answered by Bunty Rocks 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
rotational inertia. and zero friction.
a spinning top also has rotational inertia, but it faces friction, thus even the very best tops stop after a few minutes.
2006-10-11 02:54:24 · answer #8 · answered by AntoineBachmann 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Gravitational forces cause it to spin; inertia keeps it spinning; it is slowing down: VERY slowly!
2006-10-10 18:34:59 · answer #9 · answered by RG 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's because the Earth and it's atmosphere spin in a vacuum [space]. There is no air resistance [drag] in a vacuum.
2006-10-10 18:55:37 · answer #10 · answered by Neil S 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋