Question map
Which one of the following cities of the world would represent the greatest linear velocity of rotation of the Earth?
Explanation
The linear velocity of Earth's rotation is highest at the equator and decreases toward the poles, eventually reaching zero at the axis of rotation. This velocity is calculated using the formula V = (2 * pi * R * cos(L)) / T, where L is the latitude. Consequently, the city closest to the equator (0° latitude) will exhibit the greatest linear velocity because the cosine of the latitude is at its maximum value. Comparing the latitudes of the given options: Kampala, Uganda is located at approximately 0.03° N (nearly on the equator); Madrid, Spain is at 40.4° N; Stockholm, Sweden is at 59.3° N; and St. Petersburg, Russia is at 59.9° N. Since Kampala has the lowest latitude among the choices, it represents the greatest linear rotational velocity.