Coriolis effect

The Coriolis force is a fictitious force exerted on a body when it moves in a rotating reference frame. It is called a fictitious force because it is a by-product of measuring coordinates with respect to a rotating coordinate system as opposed to an actual "push or pull."

In physics, the Coriolis effect is a deflection of moving objects when they are viewed in a rotating reference frame. In a reference frame with clockwise rotation, the deflection is to the left of the motion of the object; in one with counter-clockwise rotation, the deflection is to the right. The following simulation help you visualize the Coriolis effect!

This applet simulate particles motions observed from an inertia frame and rotating (observer rotates with the frame, so it appears stationary) frame. The spherical body will rotate when you press "play" button.

The magenta arrows are velocity vectors at different points on the spherical surface.

Press "jump aeroplane" to shoot out particles.

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You can use mouse to change the 3D view.

There are six projectiles distributed uniformally.

Those 6 circles represent the initial positions (move with the earth) for those six projectiles.

Blue arrows shows the final displacement

Two sets of six black traces are trajectories viewed from inertial/non-inertial frames.

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