14
Question 14
With reference to "Coriolis force”, which of the
following statements is/are correct?
1. It increases with increase in wind velocity.
2. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator.
Select the answer using the code given below :
1. It increases with increase in wind velocity.
2. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator.
Select the answer using the code given below :
AOptions
A
A) 1 only
B
B) 2 only
C
C) Both 1 and 2
D
D) Neither 1 nor 2
BSolution
1. Statement 1 is correct. The magnitude of the Coriolis force (F_c) is directly proportional to the velocity of the moving object (v). The formula for Coriolis force is F_c = 2mvΩsinφ, where m is mass, v is velocity, Ω is angular velocity of Earth's rotation, and φ is latitude. As 'v' (wind velocity in this context) increases, the Coriolis force increases.
2. Statement 2 is correct. From the formula F_c = 2mvΩsinφ: * At the poles, latitude (φ) is 90° (or -90°), and sin(90°) = 1. This means the Coriolis force is at its maximum at the poles (F_c = 2mvΩ). * At the equator, latitude (φ) is 0°, and sin(0°) = 0. This means the Coriolis force is zero, or effectively absent, at the equator (F_c = 0).
Therefore, both statements are correct.
2. Statement 2 is correct. From the formula F_c = 2mvΩsinφ: * At the poles, latitude (φ) is 90° (or -90°), and sin(90°) = 1. This means the Coriolis force is at its maximum at the poles (F_c = 2mvΩ). * At the equator, latitude (φ) is 0°, and sin(0°) = 0. This means the Coriolis force is zero, or effectively absent, at the equator (F_c = 0).
Therefore, both statements are correct.
CStrategy
Understand the factors influencing Coriolis force: latitude and velocity. Remember its effect is strongest at the poles and non-existent at the equator, which is a key concept in atmospheric and oceanic circulation.
DSyllabus Analysis
Geography: Climatology (Atmospheric Circulation, Coriolis Force).
EQuestion Analysis
This is a fundamental conceptual question about the Coriolis force in Climatology. Both statements are accurate and describe basic properties of this force. Easy difficulty for those familiar with the concept.