English

Eight Minutes and a Half

Classical Physics 2008-11-26 v1 Physics Education

Abstract

In this paper we describe a simple conceptual problem, regarding the actual position of the Sun at sunset or sunrise. Although this problem can be easily explained in terms of rotating frames of references and standard Coriolis Effect, it is sometimes misunderstood by students and even by some physics textbooks. We also present a simple experimental activity which can be used as a demonstration of this peculiar kinematical effect in general physics courses, or become part of laboratory activities.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.physics/0612074,
  title  = {Eight Minutes and a Half},
  author = {Gabriele U. Varieschi},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0612074},
  year   = {2008}
}

Comments

11 pages, including 3 figures