- #1
DarkMatter5
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Homework Statement
A fast sprinter with a mass of 80 kg runs across the equator. What is the value of the Coriolis force he experiences?
Homework Equations
F=ma
a=2ωVradial
ω=7.27 x10-5 rads-1
Earth rotates from west to east.
The Attempt at a Solution
I pick a direction of travel - South to North. I know if you approach the equator from the poles the force makes a mass move in opposite directions. But, because he is still traveling north after crossing the equator then the Coriolis force doesn't seem to cancel out as he is approaching the equator from the south pole and then approaching the north pole from the equator. I know that there is no Coriolis force at the equator itself but I am not sure how much force he would feel when crossing the equator. All help is appreciated.