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Sample examination questions
Accelerating reference frames: The Foucault pendulum
1. (Note: This problem can also serve as a post-test for Accelerating reference frames: Rotating frames.)
The diagrams below show a coordinate system fixed to the surface of the Earth at a northern latitude .
w®
w®
E
(north) Ùj¢
E
Ù
k¢
Ù
j¢
(up)
Ù
k¢
Ù
i¢
Ù
i¢
l
(east)
Equator
Equator
A particle at this latitude  moves with horizontal velocity v¢ = ( v¢o cos b ) iˆ¢ + ( v¢o sin b ) ĵ¢ .
Show that the horizontal component of the Coriolis “force” has a magnitude that is independent of the
value . Clearly show all work.
©2013 Physics Department, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI.