Hailey P.
asked • 10/29/24If the Earth is spinning, does that mean all items are spinning? Even inanimate items that are stationary?
If the Earth is spinning, does that mean my laptop is spinning? Since the laptop is an inanimate, stationary object?
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1 Expert Answer
Yes.
The earth currently has a rotational velocity of about 0.000073 radians per second counterclockwise around the pole. That means every stationary object, by default, has that same rotational velocity.
It should be noted that this is such a small rotational velocity that other external factors are very likely to have a much more noticeable impact on the object's motion (for instance, the ceiling fan being on, the TV making noise, etc). However, unlike those other factors, this one is sustained and consistent. So, over the course of 12 hours, an inanimate object that isn't being touched will still change its orientation by 180 degrees (slightly more, actually).
Hailey P.
So wait, the item itself is in fact springing and/or moving? Even though it’s stationary and an inanimate object?
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10/31/24
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Julius N.
Yes, the Earth is indeed spinning, and this rotational motion affects everything on its surface, including inanimate objects. However, the key point is that when we say the Earth is spinning, it doesn't mean that all objects appear to be spinning relative to each other in a noticeable way. Here’s a breakdown of the concept: 1. Relative Motion: The Earth spins at an average rotational speed of about1,670 kilometers per hour (about1,040 miles per hour) at the equator. However, everything attached to the Earth, including your laptop, is also moving with that same rotational speed. As a result, from your perspective, your laptop isn't spinning; it appears stationary relative to you and whatever surface it is on. 2. Inertial Reference Frame: Objects like your laptop experience this movement as part of an inertial reference frame. Since the entire frame (the Earth and everything on it) is rotating uniformly, the laptop does not experience perceptible motion due to the Earth's rotation. 3. Effects of Spin: If you were to consider larger scales, the Earth's rotation can lead to observable effects, such as the Coriolis effect, which influences weather patterns and ocean currents. However, these effects do not translate into the perception of spinning for everyday objects. In conclusion, your laptop and all other objects on Earth are indeed "spinning" together with the Earth, but they remain stationary relative to each other in our day-to-day experience.10/29/24