Coriolis Force, Page 4 of 4

Motion relative to the rotating reference frame: This animation shows how the ball still moves in a straight line relative to the “inertial” reference frame, but appears to move along a curved path in the rotating reference frame.

Coriolis facts to remember:

• Viewed standing on the Earth, bodies in motion apparently curve to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere.
• The Coriolis effect is strongest at the poles and weakest at the equator

Thought question:

•  Can you explain why the Coriois effect would be strongest at the poles and weakest at the equator?

You are finished!

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