Understanding Earth's Rotation and Its Impact on Air Travel

The video explains how the Earth's rotation affects airplane travel. At the equator, the Earth's surface moves east at 1000 mph, while at 45º latitude, it moves at 700 mph. Airplanes must move relative to this rotation, meaning they travel east faster than west. However, flight times vary due to atmospheric winds like the jetstream, influenced by the Coriolis effect. Thus, Earth's rotation impacts travel times, but not directly.

How fast does the Earth's surface move at the Equator?

• 500 mph

• 1200 mph

• 700 mph

• 1000 mph

At what latitude does the Earth's surface move at 700 mph?

• 60º latitude

• 45º latitude

• 30º latitude

• Equator

What happens to an airplane's speed when it flies east?

• It remains the same

• It adds to the Earth's rotation speed

• It subtracts from the Earth's rotation speed

• It reverses direction

Why do airplanes take different times to fly the same route in opposite directions?

• Due to winds in the upper atmosphere

• Due to Earth's rotation

• Because of airplane weight

• Because of varying altitudes

How can one travel west near the poles?

• By flying north

• By standing still

• By walking briskly westward

• By flying east

What effect causes different parts of the Earth to move east at different speeds?

• Gravitational effect

• Thermal effect

• Coriolis effect

• Magnetic effect

What is the primary cause of the jetstream?

• Temperature differences

• Mountain ranges

• Ocean currents

• Coriolis effect