Q. 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:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: (b) 2 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper
Explanation :
1. First, let’s recall the Coriolis force formula:
Fc = 2mΩv sin(φ)
where:
– m = mass of the moving object
– Ω = Earth’s angular velocity
– v = velocity of the moving object
– φ = latitude
2. Statement 1: “It increases with increase in wind velocity”
– Looking at the formula, we can see that velocity (v) is directly proportional to the Coriolis force
– When wind velocity increases, Coriolis force increases proportionally
– Therefore, statement 1 is CORRECT
3. Statement 2: “It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator”
– At poles (90° latitude), sin(90°) = 1, giving maximum Coriolis force
– At equator (0° latitude), sin(0°) = 0, making Coriolis force zero
– Therefore, statement 2 is CORRECT
The answer is (c) Both 1 and 2
