Can a Ring Around Earth Stop Its Rotation?

In summary, there is a hypothetical scenario where Earth has a ring surrounded by huge cables with magnets, creating a planet-sized generator. However, this would not cause the Earth to stop spinning, as the ring would eventually match the Earth's speed. The Earth may slow down slightly, but both outcomes (slowing down or the ring spinning) would have negative consequences.
  • #1
D9 XTC
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OK, so let's say there was a ring around Earth (imagine the video game Halo). Extending from the Earth are huge cables that greet the ring (space elevator). This ring surrounding Earth would have magnets lining the entire structure. The cables would have wire wrapped end to end so that was the Earth rotates it passes the wire through the magnetic field of the ring. Pretty much it's a huge planet sized generator.

Would this eventually cause the Earth to stop spinning?
 
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  • #2
No. The ring itself would begin rotating and eventually match the speed of the earth.

The Earth would slow down ever so slightly though.
 
  • #3
Ah both are bad.
 
  • #4
Both are bad? Both what?
 
  • #5
I'm guessing if the Earth slows down that might throw off a lot of the world's natural rhythms and if the ring spun that would ruin the idea of making a giant generator.
 

FAQ: Can a Ring Around Earth Stop Its Rotation?

What would happen if the Earth suddenly stopped spinning?

If the Earth suddenly stopped spinning, the atmosphere would continue to move at a high speed, causing devastating winds and storms. The oceans would also be affected, resulting in massive tsunamis. Additionally, the lack of centrifugal force would cause the Earth's shape to change, resulting in extreme changes in climate and weather patterns.

Is it possible for humans to make the Earth stop spinning?

No, it is not possible for humans to physically make the Earth stop spinning. The Earth's rotation is caused by several factors, including its initial momentum from its formation and the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun. Humans do not have the technology or resources to counteract these forces and stop the Earth's rotation.

Could stopping the Earth's rotation have any benefits?

Stopping the Earth's rotation would have catastrophic consequences and no known benefits. The Earth's rotation is vital for maintaining life as we know it, as it creates a day-night cycle, regulates the planet's temperature, and helps distribute nutrients and resources.

How long would it take for the Earth to stop spinning if it suddenly stopped?

If the Earth suddenly stopped spinning, it would take approximately 24 hours for the planet to come to a complete stop. This is because the Earth rotates once every 24 hours.

What would happen to gravity if the Earth stopped spinning?

The Earth's rotation has no direct effect on gravity. Gravity is caused by the mass of an object, and the Earth's mass would remain unchanged even if it stopped spinning. However, the Earth's rotation does create a centrifugal force, which counteracts gravity at the equator and slightly decreases the planet's gravitational pull.

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