Also, which part has the greatest linear speed relative to the Earth's axis?
2007-02-12 07:02:21 · 11 answers · asked by yoyo 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
In relation to the axis of the Earth, the Earth's Equator has the greatest
rotational speed.
If you wanted to get really picky, the tip top point on the highest mountain
located directly on the Equator would have the greatest rotational speed.
That is because it is the fartherest from the center of the Earth's core.
Since the whole Earth is spinning around...the part that is spinning around
the fastest is the point that is fartherest away from the center.
2007-02-12 08:19:22 · answer #1 · answered by zahbudar 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For "rotational speed" defined as "complete rotations (i.e. revolutions or cycles) there are per time unit"...
All points on the earth's surface not on the axis revolve once every twenty-four-ish hours. Those points considered on the axis (at the north and south poles) do not have this property.
Also note that "Earth's surface" may be interpreted as meaning the surface of oceans, in which case the motion of ocean water may slightly increase or decrease the rotational speed measurement.
For "linear speed" defined as "distance traveled per time unit"...
The farther away from the axis of rotation and the closer to the equator something is, the faster the surface material of the earth will be traveling. So presumably the tallest mountain nearest to the equator will have the greatest linear speed.
2007-02-12 07:53:06 · answer #2 · answered by Sanescience 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ALL parts of the Earth have the same rotational speed because this is a measure of angular displacement over time: 360 degrees in 24 hours, or 15 degrees and hour. (This is why each time zone more or less follows a 15 degree-wide band of lanf from pole to pole)
However, relative to the Earth's axis, the equator has the largest TANGENTIAL speed.
Bases on an Earth circumference of approximately 25,000 miles (Going once every 24 hours, of course), this figures to about 1042 miles per hour at the equator. This speeds decreases in proportion to the latitude and goes all the way to zero at the poles.
2007-02-12 08:34:38 · answer #3 · answered by Humuhumunukunukuapuaa 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hmm. I'm not sure exactly how those terms are being used.
The main point is that if you're spinning, you're moving faster the further you are away from the axis, and that happens at the equator.
If by linear speed they mean movement PARALLEL to the Earth's axis -- well, to a first approximation there isn't any, although continental drift and precession about the axis both make for very slow speeds of that kind.
2007-02-12 07:09:27 · answer #4 · answered by Curt Monash 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rotational speed should be the same throughout: 360 degrees per 24 hours (not counting sidereal days, etc.).
Linear speed is the fastest at the equator, since it is farthest from the rotational axis.
2007-02-12 07:05:27 · answer #5 · answered by thefinancepirate 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rotational speed is the same. 360° per 24 hours. The fastest linear speed is at the equator.
2007-02-12 07:10:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Indeed, "rotational" speed is the same everywhere (the rate at which any given angle of longitude will pass under a fixed point in space).
Greatest linear speed is at the equator.
2007-02-12 07:52:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The highest point above the equator will travel fastest.
This is because it travels the greatest distance.
It will also have the greatest linear speed.
40,000Miles / 24H =1037.6 Miles per hour.
2007-02-12 17:43:45 · answer #8 · answered by aussie1_1950 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Crack the whip on the equator
2007-02-12 07:11:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
equator
2007-02-12 07:04:30 · answer #10 · answered by waynebudd 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋