1. What is Coriolis Acceleration?

Coriolis acceleration is an apparent force that acts on objects moving within a rotating reference frame. It is responsible for the deflection of moving objects to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Coriolis acceleration formula:

Where:

• \( a_c \) — Coriolis acceleration (m/s²)
• \( \Omega \) — Angular velocity (rad/s)
• \( v \) — Velocity of the moving object (m/s)
• \( \phi \) — Latitude (degrees)

Explanation: The formula calculates the apparent acceleration experienced by an object moving in a rotating reference frame, with maximum effect at the poles and zero at the equator.

3. Importance of Coriolis Acceleration

Details: Coriolis acceleration is crucial in meteorology for understanding wind patterns, in oceanography for ocean currents, and in ballistics for long-range projectile motion. It also affects the rotation of storms and weather systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter angular velocity in radians per second, velocity in meters per second, and latitude in degrees (-90° to 90°). All values must be valid and within their respective ranges.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does Coriolis acceleration depend on latitude?
A: The Coriolis effect is strongest at the poles and zero at the equator because it depends on the component of the Earth's rotation perpendicular to the surface, which varies with latitude.

Q2: What is the angular velocity of Earth?
A: Earth's angular velocity is approximately 7.292 × 10⁻⁵ rad/s, which corresponds to one complete rotation every 24 hours.

Q3: Does Coriolis acceleration affect small-scale movements?
A: For small-scale movements like water draining in a sink, the Coriolis effect is negligible compared to other forces. It becomes significant for large-scale, long-duration movements.

Q4: How does Coriolis acceleration affect weather patterns?
A: It causes moving air masses to deflect, creating the characteristic rotation of cyclones and anticyclones, and influences global wind patterns like trade winds and jet streams.

Q5: Is Coriolis acceleration a real force?
A: Coriolis acceleration is an apparent or inertial force that appears in rotating reference frames. It's not a fundamental force but a consequence of observing motion from a non-inertial frame.