The Coriolis Force - continued

Properties of the coriolis force, continued:

• the coriolis force is larger for parcels moving at faster speeds, it's zero if a parcel is not moving
• the coriolis force is not that large for slow-moving objects or for those moving over short distances

NOTE: The coriolis force is an "apparent" force that arises solely due to the fact that the earth is rotating. Therefore, it can only change a parcel's direction, it CAN NOT affect its speed.

• Q:  If a high speed train travels from LA to NY, will the coriolis force act on the train? ANSWER 
• Q:  Does the coriolis force act on a baseball thrown from a pitcher to the catcher during a major league game? ANSWER 
• Q:  Does the coriolis force have an affect on ocean currents? ANSWER