Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 8 - Rotational Motion - Misconceptual Questions - Page 221: 12

Answer

Choice A.

Work Step by Step

There is no external torque on the Earth, so its angular momentum is conserved, i.e., remains constant. The magnitude of the angular momentum L is the moment of inertia multiplied by the angular speed, $L = I \omega$. If people were to migrate toward the equator, this would move mass away from the Earth’s axis of rotation. This increases the Earth’s moment of inertia, $I$. For angular momentum L to remain constant, i.e., be conserved, the angular speed $\omega$ decreases to compensate. The length of the day would increase.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.