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How do we know that the Earth spins around its axis?

Ann-Marie Pendrill

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A carousel gives possibilities to explore physics in rotating systems and to gain first-hand experience of methods to measure rotation, without the need for an external reference. This paper discusses the Foucault pendulum, as well as the sideways deflection of horizontally and vertically moving objects in a rotating system. These experiments lay the foundation for an understanding of ways to demonstrate that the Earth spins around its axis.


PACS

01.40.Ha Learning theory and science teaching

01.40.Fk Physics education research (cognition, problem solving, etc.)

45.20.dc Rotational dynamics

96.60.qd Sun spots, Solar cycles

45.20.da Forces and torques

Subjects

Mathematical physics

Education and communication

Astrophysics and astroparticles

Dates

Issue 2 (March 2008)

Received 23 October 2007



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