Chapter 8, Problem 23Q

To determine

The direction of the Earth’s angular velocity vector as it rotates daily about its axis. Solution:

When the earth rotates about its axis, the direction of the Earth’s angular velocity will be in the north direction.

Explanation of Solution

The Earth rotates from east to west in a counter-clockwise direction. Using the right hand rule, if the fingers of the right hand curl in the direction of the motion of the Earth; the thumb points towards the north. Hence, the direction of Earth’s angular velocity is north.