rotate
Definition
Rotation is the circular motion of an object around an axis. The axis is an imaginary line that passes through the center of the object and is perpendicular to its surface.
The Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours. This is what causes day and night. The planets in our solar system also rotate on their axes. The speed of rotation varies from planet to planet.
Rotation is important for many reasons. It helps to keep objects in shape. It also helps to create gravity, which is the force that pulls objects towards each other.
Rotation can also be used to generate power. For example, hydroelectric power plants use the rotation of water turbines to generate electricity.
How can the word be used?
The wheels of the car rotated as it drove down the road.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
- rotation (noun) - the act of rotating or the state of being rotated.
Verb:
- rotate (verb) - to move or cause to move in a circle or on an axis.
Etymology
The word "rotate" comes from the Latin word "rotāre", which means "to turn round".
The first recorded use of the word "rotate" in English was in the 16th century.
The word "rotate" is a cognate of the French word "roter" and the German word "rotieren", both of which mean "to rotate".
The literal meaning of the word "rotate" is "to turn around on an axis".
The word "rotate" can be used to refer to the movement of a physical object, such as a wheel or a planet.
It can also be used to refer to the movement of a concept or idea, such as the rotation of crops in agriculture.
The word "rotate" is a common word that is used in everyday speech. It is a useful word for understanding how things move and how concepts change over time.
Question
What things rotate?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Describe the concept of Earth's rotation and its effects on day and night cycles, including the Coriolis effect.
Answer:
Earth's rotation is the spinning motion of the planet around its own axis, which is an imaginary line passing through its North and South Poles. This rotation is responsible for the alternation between day and night. As Earth rotates, the side facing the Sun experiences daylight, while the opposite side remains in darkness.
The Coriolis effect, a consequence of Earth's rotation, leads to the deflection of moving objects, including air and water, as they travel across the planet's surface. This effect is caused by differences in the rotational speed of the Earth's surface at various latitudes. Near the equator, where Earth's surface is moving fastest due to its rotation, the Coriolis effect is minimal. However, as you move toward the poles, the effect becomes more pronounced.
The Coriolis effect influences the direction of air and ocean currents, as well as the paths of moving objects like projectiles and aeroplanes. In the Northern Hemisphere, moving objects tend to veer to the right, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they veer to the left due to the Coriolis effect.