Question

What is meant by Coriolis force?

(a) An earth force that tends to deflect the moving objects on earth

(b) An earth force that tends to vary the temperature

(c) An earth force that tends to vary the pressure

(d) An earth force that tends to vary the gravitational force

The question was posed to me in an international level competition.

The origin of the question is Characteristics of Atmosphere in chapter Atmosphere and Air Data Measurement of Aircraft Performance

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) An earth force that tends to deflect the moving objects on earth

Explanation: Coriolis force is an earth force that acts perpendicular to the direction of motion and to the axis of rotation. This force tends to deflect moving objects to the left in the southern hemisphere and towards the right in the northern hemisphere.