🌍 Coriolis Effect Calculator
Calculate Coriolis force
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Mass
Input the mass (m) of the object in kilograms (kg). This is the mass of the object moving in the rotating reference frame. For example, a 1 kg projectile fired from a rotating platform, or air mass moving relative to Earth's rotation.
Enter Velocity
Input the velocity (v) of the object relative to the rotating frame in meters per second (m/s). This is the velocity of the object as measured from within the rotating reference frame. For Earth's rotation, this might be the velocity of wind or ocean currents.
Enter Angular Velocity
Input the angular velocity (ω) of the rotating reference frame in radians per second (rad/s). For Earth's rotation, this is approximately 7.27 × 10⁻⁵ rad/s (2π radians per 24 hours). For other rotating systems, calculate from the rotation rate.
Calculate and Review
Click the "Calculate" button to compute the Coriolis force. The result will be displayed in newtons (N). This force acts perpendicular to both the velocity vector and the rotation axis, causing objects to be deflected from their straight-line paths in rotating systems.
Formula
F_coriolis = 2mvω
Where:
• F_coriolis = Coriolis force (N)
• m = Mass (kg)
• v = Velocity relative to rotating frame (m/s)
• ω = Angular velocity of rotating frame (rad/s)
Note: This is the simplified form for motion perpendicular to the rotation axis. The full vector form is more complex and depends on the direction of motion relative to the rotation axis.
Example 1: Projectile on Rotating Platform
A 0.1 kg projectile is fired at 100 m/s from a platform rotating at 1 rad/s. Calculate the Coriolis force.
Given:
• Mass (m) = 0.1 kg
• Velocity (v) = 100 m/s
• Angular velocity (ω) = 1 rad/s
Solution:
F_coriolis = 2mvω
F_coriolis = 2 × 0.1 × 100 × 1
F_coriolis = 20 N
Example 2: Wind on Earth
A 1 kg parcel of air moves at 10 m/s relative to Earth's surface. Earth rotates at 7.27 × 10⁻⁵ rad/s. What is the Coriolis force?
Given:
• Mass (m) = 1 kg
• Velocity (v) = 10 m/s
• Angular velocity (ω) = 7.27 × 10⁻⁵ rad/s
Solution:
F_coriolis = 2mvω
F_coriolis = 2 × 1 × 10 × 7.27 × 10⁻⁵
F_coriolis = 1.454 × 10⁻³ N (0.001454 N)
This small force causes the deflection of winds and ocean currents on Earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Coriolis effect?
The Coriolis effect is an apparent force that acts on objects moving in a rotating reference frame. It causes moving objects to be deflected from their straight-line paths. The effect is perpendicular to both the velocity of the object and the axis of rotation. It's a fictitious force that appears due to the acceleration of the rotating reference frame.
Why is the Coriolis effect important on Earth?
The Coriolis effect is crucial for understanding weather patterns, ocean currents, and long-range projectile motion. It causes winds to curve, creating the rotation of cyclones and anticyclones. In the Northern Hemisphere, objects are deflected to the right; in the Southern Hemisphere, to the left. This effect is responsible for the large-scale patterns we see in atmospheric and oceanic circulation.
Is the Coriolis force a real force?
The Coriolis force is a fictitious or inertial force - it doesn't exist in an inertial (non-accelerating) reference frame. However, it's very real to observers in a rotating frame. It's a consequence of viewing motion from a rotating perspective, similar to how centrifugal force appears in rotating frames. The effect is real and measurable, even though the force itself is not a fundamental force.
How does the Coriolis effect affect projectiles?
For long-range projectiles (like artillery shells or intercontinental missiles), the Coriolis effect causes deflection. In the Northern Hemisphere, projectiles are deflected to the right of their intended path. For very long distances, this deflection can be significant and must be accounted for in targeting calculations. The effect is negligible for short-range projectiles.
What's the difference between Coriolis and centrifugal force?
Centrifugal force acts outward from the rotation axis on all objects in a rotating frame, regardless of their motion. Coriolis force only acts on objects that are moving relative to the rotating frame, and it acts perpendicular to their velocity. Centrifugal force depends on position, while Coriolis force depends on velocity relative to the rotating frame.
Where is the Coriolis effect used in real-world applications?
The Coriolis effect is used in: understanding and predicting weather patterns and storm systems, modeling ocean currents and circulation, calculating trajectories for long-range missiles and artillery, designing gyroscopes and navigation systems, understanding the dynamics of rotating machinery, and analyzing atmospheric and oceanic phenomena on planetary scales.
About Coriolis Effect Calculator
The Coriolis effect calculator computes the apparent force experienced by objects moving in a rotating reference frame. The Coriolis effect is a fundamental concept in rotational dynamics and is crucial for understanding phenomena ranging from weather patterns to projectile motion.
This calculator is essential for students studying rotational mechanics, meteorologists analyzing weather systems, engineers designing navigation systems, and anyone working with rotating reference frames. The Coriolis effect explains why winds curve, why ocean currents flow in specific patterns, and why long-range projectiles must be corrected for Earth's rotation.