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On planet Earth, there is no centrifugal force at the
Explanation
Centrifugal force is an apparent force arising from the Earth's rotation around its fixed axis [t1]. The magnitude of this force is directly proportional to the distance from the axis of rotation [t4]. At the equator, where the distance from the axis is at its maximum (Earth's radius), the centrifugal force is greatest [c1][t1]. As one moves toward higher latitudes, the distance from the rotational axis decreases, causing the centrifugal force to diminish [c1][t5]. At the North and South Poles, the points lie exactly on the axis of rotation, meaning the radius of rotation is zero [t5]. Consequently, the centrifugal force at the poles is zero [t1][t8]. This variation in force contributes to the Earth's oblate spheroid shape, characterized by an equatorial bulge and polar flattening [c1][t1].
Sources
- [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 7: Tectonics > Forces Behind The Drifting Of Continents (According to Wegener) > p. 95
- [2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/centrifugal-force
- [3] https://pwg.gsfc.nasa.gov/stargaze/Lsun1litB.htm