The earth's rotation is slowing down due to the friction against the tidal bulge produced by the moon's and sun's gravitation. The variation is irregular but in general after 100 years the earth has rotated about .25° less than it would have if the rate were the same as at the beginning of the 100 years. That corresponds to one minute's worth of rotation.

1. How much longer (in seconds) is one day today than 100 years ago?
2. How long a period of time need go by for one complete rotation (day) to be missed using the original rotation rate as a standard?
Assume a constant negative acceleration.

One second was added to the clocks on new year's eve this year to compensate for this effect!

Posted by Percy on 2006-01-15 07:26:28