If the Earth were to stop rotating about its axis, very slowly, would you get heavier, lighter or nothing?

Question

Note: the Earth would slow down spinning very slowly, that is as 'safely' as possible so that things and people wouldn't get thrown off because of the slowing rotation.

Answer 1

People would feel very slightly heavier on a non-rotating planet than on a rotating one. The angular acceleration experienced by people moving in a circle partially cancels the noticeable effect of gravity (the sensation of weight).

The angular acceleration at the equator is given by
a = 4*π^2*R / t^2
where R is the radius of the planet and t is the rotational period. Substituting Earth's values, we get
a = 4*π^2*(6378.1 km) / (24 hours)^2
a = 0.0337 m/s^2

If the "effective" gravity of the Earth is (g - a) = 9.81 m/s^2, and a = 0.0337 m/s^2, then the actual gravitational pull of the Earth (g) is 9.84 m/2^2. So, even at the equator, the rotation of the Earth is only making us feel about 0.3% lighter than we otherwise would (at the equator). The effect goes to zero at the poles, since you have no tangential velocity there.

Answer 2

Depends on where you live. Without centrifugal force, the earth would assume a more spherical shape. At the poles, you'd be a tiny bit further away from the center, and so a bit lighter. At the equator, you'd be a bit closer and therefore a bit heavier. These shape effects are pretty much swamped by the first-order effect of removing the centrifugal force which makes you heavier at the equator than you were when the earth was spinning.

So for almost all of the earth (except right near the poles), you'll be heavier.

Answer 3

Assuming the shape of the earth stays the same, you would become heavier.

By spinning, we are being thrown off. By stopping, we would only feel the effect of gravity. The difference is slight, and you probably would not feel the difference. But we would definately be heavier.

Answer 4

The effect of gravity would be very slightly stronger, because the rotation of the earth lessens the effect. That is very, very slightly, you will not notice it.

If you stand on the poles (on the axis of rotation), the effect of rotation on the gravitational effect is eliminated, while on the equator (on a high mountain), the effect of rotation is the greatest, so you would be the lightest. That effect is measurable, but it is not noticable.

There would be many other implications of signifficantly slower rotation, however. And those you will feel.

Answer 5

it is going to maximum in all probability never end rotating approximately it is axis, it is going to whether maximum in all probability decelerate. there is something with regard to the earth moon equipment that's a factor of the angular momentum of planets. Slowly over the years the moon and the earth would have rotational action greater resembling each others. this would take one billion or so years. this would properly be a factor of the conservation of angular momentum. i'm sorry i can't clarify it greater ideal than the wikipedia article that's a marginally complicated theory.

Answer 6

holy crap,
if the earth slowed down we would be crushed.
if it sped up we would get lighter, or eventually, thrown into orbit.

Answer 7

gravity would be less, you would become lighter