🌍 Why is Coriolis Force Zero at the Equator? UPSC Notes
Reason:Coriolis force depends on Earth's rotation and latitude. Its strength is proportional to sin(θ) where θ = latitude.At the equator (latitude=0).
What is Coriolis Force? Coriolis force is an apparent force that acts on moving objects (like winds, ocean currents) when they are viewed from a rotating frame (Earth is rotating). It deflects the path of moving objects: To the right in the Northern Hemisphere . To the left in the Southern Hemisphere . 🌍 Why is Coriolis Force Zero at the Equator ? 👉 Reason: Coriolis force depends on Earth's rotation and latitude . Its strength is proportional to sin(θ) where θ = latitude . At the equator (latitude = 0°) : sin(0°) = 0 . So, Coriolis force = 0 . In simple words: At the equator, the effect of Earth's rotation on moving objects becomes negligible. Thus, moving objects at the equator move straight without deflection. 🧠 Easy Example: Suppose a rocket is launched exactly along the equator (say, from Kenya). It will move straight , without any right or left deflection. But if launched from Delhi or New York (far from the equator), it will slightly bend due to Coriolis force. 🔥 Quick Bullet Points for Revisio…