Earth's Gravity if the Earth rotated the opposite direction

In summary, if the Earth were to rotate in the opposite direction, it would not affect a person's weight at the equator or at the North Pole. This is because the mass, size, and rate of spin of the Earth would remain the same. The only difference would be the sign of the omega value in the equation, but since it is squared, it would not have an impact on gravity or weight. Therefore, the direction of rotation should not affect the outcome.
  • #1
rogersjc
3
0
1. Suppose the Earth rotated in the opposite Direction. How would this effect your weight at the equator. At the North Pole



2. Newtons Gravity Equation and the centrifugal Force

Fg = -G*(Me*rhat/r^2) + omega^2*R + Fn

3. Since the only thing I can see that will change is the omega value it will be the opposite sign. I do not believe the gravity will change and thus the weight will not change since the omega is squared. Is that the correct way to go about solving this problem?
 
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  • #2
The direction should have nothing to do with the result.

The mass of the Earth, its size and rate of spin are all the same.
 

FAQ: Earth's Gravity if the Earth rotated the opposite direction

What would happen to Earth's gravity if it rotated in the opposite direction?

If the Earth were to rotate in the opposite direction, the force of gravity would not change. Gravity is a fundamental force that is dependent on the mass of the objects and their distance from each other, not the direction of rotation.

Would the rotation of the Earth affect the strength of gravity?

No, the strength of gravity is determined by the mass of the objects involved and their distance from each other. The direction of rotation does not have an effect on the force of gravity.

Would the Earth's rotation in the opposite direction affect the tides?

Yes, the tidal patterns would be different if the Earth rotated in the opposite direction. This is because the moon's gravitational pull would still affect the Earth's oceans, but the direction of rotation would change the location and timing of high and low tides.

How would the Earth's rotation in the opposite direction affect the Coriolis effect?

The Coriolis effect, which is responsible for the rotation of storms and ocean currents, is dependent on the Earth's rotation in a specific direction. If the Earth were to rotate in the opposite direction, the Coriolis effect would also be reversed, causing storms and ocean currents to rotate in the opposite direction.

Would the Earth's rotation in the opposite direction change the length of a day?

Yes, the length of a day would be affected by the Earth's rotation in the opposite direction. Currently, the Earth rotates from west to east, causing a day to be approximately 24 hours. If the Earth rotated in the opposite direction, the length of a day would be shorter or longer, depending on the speed of rotation.

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