Coriolis Effect Calculator

General Physics

This tool calculates the Coriolis acceleration and force acting on a moving object due to the Earth's rotation.

Practical Examples

Explore real-world scenarios to understand how the Coriolis effect works. Click on an example to load its data into the calculator.

Airplane Flight

Airplane

An airplane flying at high speed in the Northern Hemisphere.

Velocity: 900 km/h

Latitude: 50°

Mass: 300000 kg

Long-Range Artillery

Artillery

A long-range shell fired in the Southern Hemisphere.

Velocity: 1600 m/s

Latitude: -30°

Mass: 45 kg

Ocean Current

Ocean Current

A slow-moving ocean current near the equator.

Velocity: 2 m/s

Latitude: 5°

Mass: 1000 kg

Hurricane Wind

Hurricane

Wind moving towards the center of a low-pressure system (hurricane).

Velocity: 150 km/h

Latitude: 25°

Mass: 1 kg

Other Titles
Understanding the Coriolis Effect: A Comprehensive Guide
An in-depth look at the inertial force that shapes weather, currents, and more.

What is the Coriolis Effect?

  • The Force of Inertia
  • Earth's Rotation
  • Hemispheric Differences
The Coriolis effect is not a true force in the Newtonian sense but an inertial or fictitious force. It arises because our frame of reference, the Earth, is constantly rotating. For an observer in a non-rotating (inertial) frame of reference, an object in motion continues in a straight line unless acted upon by a force. However, for an observer on the rotating Earth, the object appears to be deflected from its path.
Key Concepts
The effect is most significant for objects that travel over long distances and at high speeds, such as airplanes, ocean currents, and wind. The magnitude of the deflection depends on the object's speed, its latitude, and the Earth's angular velocity. It is zero at the equator and maximum at the poles.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Coriolis Effect Calculator

  • Inputting Your Data
  • Selecting Units
  • Interpreting the Results
Our calculator simplifies the process of determining Coriolis force and acceleration. Follow these steps:
Enter Object Velocity: Input the speed of the object. You can choose from units like meters per second (m/s), kilometers per hour (km/h), or miles per hour (mph).
Enter Latitude: Provide the latitude in degrees, from -90° (South Pole) to +90° (North Pole). Positive values are for the Northern Hemisphere, and negative values for the Southern Hemisphere.
Enter Object Mass: Input the object's mass in kilograms (kg), grams (g), or pounds (lb).
Calculate: Click the 'Calculate' button to see the results.
Understanding the Output
The calculator provides two key outputs: Coriolis acceleration (in m/s²) and Coriolis force (in Newtons). It also indicates the direction of deflection: to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Real-World Applications of the Coriolis Effect

  • Meteorology and Weather Patterns
  • Oceanography
  • Ballistics and Aviation
Hurricanes and Cyclones
The Coriolis effect is fundamental to the rotation of large-scale weather systems. In the Northern Hemisphere, it deflects moving air to the right, causing systems like hurricanes to spin counter-clockwise. In the Southern Hemisphere, the deflection is to the left, resulting in clockwise rotation for cyclones.
Ocean Currents
Vast ocean currents, known as gyres, are also shaped by the Coriolis effect. It deflects the flow of water, creating large circular patterns that are crucial for global heat distribution and marine ecosystems.
Long-Range Projectiles
In ballistics, the path of long-range projectiles, such as artillery shells or missiles, must account for Coriolis deflection to achieve accuracy. Over a distance of several kilometers, the deviation can be hundreds of meters.

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • The Bathtub Myth
  • Instantaneous Effects
  • Scale and Significance
Does the Coriolis Effect Make Sinks Drain Differently?
A persistent myth claims that the Coriolis effect determines the direction water drains from a sink or bathtub. In reality, the effect is far too weak to influence such a small, short-lived system. The shape of the basin, the initial water movement, and other local factors are overwhelmingly dominant.
Magnitude Matters
The Coriolis effect is only significant on a large scale. For everyday phenomena like throwing a ball or driving a car, its impact is completely negligible and undetectable. The effect becomes apparent only over vast distances (hundreds of kilometers) and long durations (hours or days).

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • The Core Formula
  • Calculating Acceleration
  • Calculating Force
The Coriolis effect is described by a simple but powerful formula. The acceleration (a_c) experienced by an object is given by:
a_c = 2 ω v * sin(φ)
Where:
ω (Omega): The angular velocity of the Earth (approximately 7.2921 x 10⁻⁵ rad/s).
v: The velocity of the object relative to the rotating frame.
φ (Phi): The latitude.
The sine of the latitude (sin(φ)) accounts for the effect being zero at the equator (sin(0°) = 0) and maximum at the poles (sin(±90°) = ±1).
From Acceleration to Force
Once the acceleration is known, calculating the Coriolis force (F_c) is a straightforward application of Newton's second law (F = ma):
Fc = m * ac
Where 'm' is the mass of the object.