The earth's rotation rate is slowing down because of friction against the tidal bulges caused by the gravitation of the moon (major factor) and the sun (lesser factor). The earth's rotational energy is dissipated as heat, but where is the angular momentum going, and what physical mechanism brings that momentum there?
(In reply to
re(4): I disagree - me too, with you by Ken Haley)
You can't believe everything you read on the web. In particular, the following quotation does not make sense:
"This is not a violation of the conservation of angular momentum because of the frictional energy losses."
He's talking about two different things: momentum and energy.
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Posted by Charlie
on 2004-09-28 08:08:15 |
re(5): I disagree - me too, with you
