Question

5) Compute the magnitude and direction of the Coriolis force acting on a 1,000 Kg-car driving on I-15 towards Salt Lake at 80 mph.

Answer 1

Coriolis Force = 2 $\Omega$ V M Sin$\phi$

$\Omega$ is rotation rate of earth

V is the velocity ( 35.76 m/s)

2 $\Omega$ = 1.458 * 10^-4 s^-1

M is the mass (1000 kg)

$\phi$ is the latitude ( 40^o)

Coriolis FOrce = 1.458 * 10^-4 * 35.76 * 1000 * sin(40) = 3.88 Newton