the earth has a fixed rotation period. it goes on again and again. what is the driving force? if its the trajectory and the gravity of planets and the sun, how do they affect the "rotation" of our earth?
2007-05-12 01:11:50 · 11 answers · asked by Aditya Vemuri 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Conservation of angular momentum keeps the Earth rotating essentially uniformly.
The gravitational pull of the moon, and tides are slowing down the rate of rotation, lengthening the day.
The constant bomardment of space debris also has a small effect.
The other planets are to far to have a measurable effect.
2007-05-12 01:18:23 · answer #1 · answered by cscokid77 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The gravitational pull of our sun will continue to pull us in more and more...the planets have very little affect on its neighboring planets, if any...However, our own moon does have a major affect on Earth, and as the moon eventually strays itself away from us, the Earth's rotation and its orbit around the sun will also change, as well as major changes in weather conditions and the length of days and nights...
In regards to the gentleman above me, he's right...the Earth is not round, but a near oval-shape
2007-05-12 01:22:04 · answer #2 · answered by Jack 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Actually, the earth wobbles. There is even evidence that the planet may flip and flop from time to time. I don't think this has been researched to diligently as the scientific communities don't want to upset the evolutionary society. However, the geologist will tell you that there have been signs of serious upheavels that have apparent magnetic alignment shifts invovled.
2007-05-12 01:21:24 · answer #3 · answered by Vman 2040 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no "driving force" -- it's inertia that keeps it going, along with the conservation of angular momentum. A spinning object will spin forever unless something (like friction) makes it slow down and/or stop spinning. Earth isn't rubbing against anything, so there's very little friction to slow it down.
2007-05-12 01:39:56 · answer #4 · answered by Skepticat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Entropy is the concept that all things decay over time. All the orbits are in the process of decaying. We just happen to occupy this certain moment of time that is perfect for our ability to survive. One may say that the big bang caused all this to expand and swirl while now it's in the process of contracting. I like to think it is God who set the spinning in process.
2007-05-12 01:23:02 · answer #5 · answered by bubbasmith 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
theres a magnetic gravatational pull in the middle of the earth its been there since the world was first form when the planets and asteroids collided with each other and it remains there pretty fascinating
2007-05-12 01:15:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
other planets, the moon, the sun, all gravity pulling perfectly. many many years ago when the earth and world is forming while earth is still liquid form, they revolve and revolve until it is perfectly aligned, now it is solid and it's still perfect.
2007-05-12 01:14:16 · answer #7 · answered by LD 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Newton' law. an object in motion will continue to remain in motion unless external force is applied.
2007-05-12 01:15:52 · answer #8 · answered by deepak57 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
coz the earth rotates on its axis.
ok?
2007-05-12 01:23:46 · answer #9 · answered by ES-es c 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
All of the above and also space offers no resistance.
2007-05-12 01:20:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋