Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 10-16

The Coriolis force deflects moving objects on a rotating Earth, and the key is recognizing that as your probe rises vertically, it's moving through a reference frame that's spinning. At maximum height, the probe has traveled upward for some time while Earth rotates beneath it, and the Coriolis acceleration $\vec{a}_C = -2\vec{\Omega} \times \vec{v}$ acts perpendicular to both the rotation vector and the probe's velocity. You'll need to integrate this acceleration over the flight time to find the horizontal displacement—the direction and magnitude depend on your latitude and the initial launch direction.

The Coriolis force deflects moving objects on a rotating Earth, and the key is recognizing that as your probe rises vertically, it's moving through a reference frame that's spinning. At maximum height, the probe has traveled upward for some time while Earth rotates beneath it, and the Coriolis acceleration $\vec{a}_C = -2\vec{\Omega} \times \vec{v}$ acts perpendicular to both the rotation vector and the probe's velocity. You'll need to integrate this acceleration over the flight time to find the horizontal displacement—the direction and magnitude depend on your latitude and the initial launch direction.