Question

In the following problem, the word “weight” refers to the force a scale registers. If the Earth were to stop rotating, but not change shape, 

(A) the weight of an object at the equator would increase. 

(B) the weight of an object at the equator would decrease. 

(C) the weight of an object at the north pole would increase.

(D) the weight of an object at the north pole would decrease. 

(E) all objects on Earth would become weightless.

Answer 1

Correct option (A) the weight of an object at the equator would increase.

Part of the gravitational force acting on an object at the equator is providing the necessary centripetal force to move the object in a circle. If the rotation of the earth were to stop, this part of the gravitational force is no longer required and the “full” value of this force will hold the object to the Earth.