Enter the Coriolis force and the total mass into the calculator to determine the Coriolis Acceleration. 

Coriolis Acceleration Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Coriolis Acceleration.

CA = CF / m
  • Where CA is the Coriolis Acceleration (m/s^2)
  • CF is the Coriolis force (N)
  • m is the total mass (kg)

To calculate the Coriolis acceleration, divide the Coriolis force by the total mass.

What are the units for Coriolis Acceleration?

The most common units for Coriolis Acceleration are m/s^2.

How to Calculate Coriolis Acceleration?

Example Problem:

The following example problem outlines the steps and information required to calculate the Coriolis Acceleration.

First, determine the Coriolis force. In this example, the Coriolis force is measured to be 3000 (N).

Next, determine the total mass. For this problem, the total mass is calculated to be 100000 (kg).

Finally, calculate the Coriolis Acceleration using the formula above: 

CA = CF / m

Inserting the values from above and solving the equation gives us: 

CA = 3000 / 100,000 = .03 (m/s^2)

FAQ

What is the Coriolis force and how does it affect motion on Earth?

The Coriolis force is an apparent force that arises from the Earth’s rotation. It affects the direction of moving objects across the Earth’s surface, causing them to deflect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This force is crucial in meteorology for understanding wind patterns and ocean currents.

Can the Coriolis acceleration be felt in everyday life, or is it too small to notice?

For most everyday activities, the Coriolis acceleration is too small to be noticeable. It primarily affects large-scale movements over long distances, such as ocean currents, wind patterns, and projectiles traveling over long distances. However, in precise scientific experiments or in the accurate firing of long-range missiles, its effects must be taken into account.

Why is it important to calculate Coriolis acceleration in meteorology and oceanography?

Calculating Coriolis acceleration is crucial in meteorology and oceanography because it helps predict the movement of air masses and ocean currents. Understanding how the Coriolis force influences these movements allows for more accurate weather forecasting and understanding of climate patterns, as well as navigation and shipping routes across the world’s oceans.