If the Earth stops spinning will we all just fly off?

Question

With no gravity to keep us on the ground if the Earth stops spinning wont we just fly off into space?

Answer 1

No. Gravity has nothing to do with rotation. It is a fundamental force like electromagnetism and the two nuclear forces. However, because at the equator rotation produces a slight 'anti-gravity' effect making a 100 kilogram human slightly lighter by a few grams. If the Earth stopped rotating, objects would weigh exactly the same at all points on the Earth as you would calculate from only their gravitational forces alone. A 200-ton building at the equator weighs several pounds less than it would at the north pole.

Answer 2

No. The spinning of Earth is not the cause of gravity. In fact the spinning is partly counteracting gravity, making things weigh slightly less than they would if it were still.

You may be confused by the idea of spinning a space station to simulate gravity. In that case, the space station is a hollow wheel and the people stand on the INSIDE of the rim, where centrifugal force pushes them against the rim from the inside. On Earth, people are held on the ground by gravity caused by the mass of the Earth, while centrifugal force tries to overcome gravity to throw you off. But the gravity is about 100 times stronger than the centrifugal force at the speed Earth is spinning, so you stay on the ground.

Answer 3

No. It would either take forever and a day for that to happen. Thus, slowing down everything else on the planet. Or, the Earth would explode. At which point, it would simply rip everything apart by millions/billions of tiny little 1000mph pieces of shot. (might be cool to see). Would you be able to fly off into space? Hell no. The rotational velocity of the Earth's surface is only 1674km/h. However, you would need to reach a speed greater than 40,270 km/h. ************** Two people think the rotation of the Earth creates gravity!?!?!?!? Damn people you really shouldn't have slept through school. - Mass generates gravity. - Centripetal force is what keep the Earth in a relatively stable orbit. It is a result of gravity which is a function of mass. - Centrifugal force doesn't exist. It is a poor way of describing INERTIA. The force defined by mass and velocity.

Answer 4

That Earth spins has nothing to do with its gravity. Gravity results strictly from Earth's mass which is unrelated to its rotation. If Earth were to suddenly stop rotating, or even rotate faster, its mass and therefore its gravity would remain the same.

Answer 5

not exactly, but one thing's for sure: one side of the earth will have permanent daylight and the other side will have permanent night.

Answer 6

no the best example of that is the moon it don't spin but it makes tides

Answer 7

mhm

Answer 8

No