...either gainst or with the rotation of the planet could we slow down/speed it the planets rotation? we disscussed this in physics A-level some years back it was fairly interesting so I just wanted to see what you guys thought even though I do know the answer
2007-10-26 07:01:46 · 10 answers · asked by vorash 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Yes, if everyone walked east, for example, the earth would slow down after several hours, or at least its crust would. It would take that amount of time for the compression waves to spread around the globe. You'd never be able to measure it, though, because the angular momentum change would be negligible. For this reason, most responders are saying "no". That, and because of a general inability to understand hypotheticals. I'm surprised no one has objected (yet) on the grounds that you could never get everyone on earth to cooperate.
2007-10-26 07:26:21 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may not slow down rotation, but it's been calculated that each person's foot fall pushes the planet away...Imagine if you had a big rock in space, and tapped it continuously with a small hammer in relatively the same spot.....it would start moving away from you....So the Earth is essentially being pushed back and forth and up and down continuously...
2007-10-26 07:12:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No - This is similar to the question about the fly travelling in the car. We are in effect part of the Earth's surface so we have no external effect on the rotation of the earth.
It is all to do with relativity - If we could detatch ourselves from the earth, then the rotation relative to us would be different - but as we are on the earth, the rotation relative to us in undetectable ... so we cannot influence it.
2007-10-26 07:13:50 · answer #3 · answered by Robert W 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is no way humans have enough walking power to alter the rotation of the earth. But if you want to set a date and time to give it a try... let me know and I'll bring my friends!
2007-10-26 07:16:18 · answer #4 · answered by mmmark 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't see that it would make the slightest difference to the rotation of the world. On the other hand, it could cause some spectacular traffic jams.
2007-10-26 07:15:12 · answer #5 · answered by ezeikiel 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
nothing, the amount of friction caused by the human foot, let alone 6 billion pairs is negligible to the centrifugal force of the earth.
2007-10-26 07:04:50 · answer #6 · answered by Silverhorn 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
absolutly nothing would happen, same if everyone jumped, we are too insignificant compared to the gravity of the planet, moon and sun
2007-10-26 07:06:16 · answer #7 · answered by tielzebob 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no you would have to actually spin the earth to change it speed if you just walk your not moving the earth you're just walking on it which would have no effect
2007-10-26 07:05:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it will have an effect, but it will be so minuscule that it won't be noticeable.
2007-10-26 07:06:55 · answer #9 · answered by feanor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say no. dont know why! will you print the answer later?
2007-10-26 07:05:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋