If the speed of rotation of Earth about its axis increases, then the weight of the body at the equator will:

Correct answer: B. Decrease

  • A. Increase
  • B. Decrease
  • C. Remain unchanged
  • D. Sometimes decrease and sometimes increase

Explanation

The following is the solution: Decrease: This is the correct answer. As mentioned above, an increase in the speed of Earth's rotation would lead to a decrease in the effective gravitational force experienced by an object at the equator. This is because the centrifugal force (outward force due to rotation) counteracts some of the gravitational force, resulting in a reduced weight for objects at the equator. Due to rotation, the effective value of g is g'= g - ω2Rcos2λ. Now, ω increases so g′ will decrease & so weight = mg′ will reduce.

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