Inhabitants are unaware of the speed of rotation of the planet Earth b

Inhabitants are unaware of the speed of rotation of the planet Earth because

  • the angular velocity is constant for each place on the Earth’s surface
  • the atmosphere rotates with the Earth
  • there are no nearby objects, either stationary or moving at a rate different from that of the Earth

Which of the above is/are the correct explanation(s)?

1 only
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2022
All three statements provide valid reasons why inhabitants are unaware of the Earth’s rotation speed.
Our perception of motion is relative. Since everything around us (atmosphere, land, buildings) is rotating with us at the same speed, and the rotation is constant, we don’t feel the motion or observe significant relative movement.
Statement 1: The constant angular velocity means there is no significant acceleration (except constant centripetal acceleration, which is small and contributes subtly to gravity variations but not the feeling of rotation speed) that we would feel as a change in motion. Our senses primarily detect changes in velocity (acceleration).
Statement 2: The atmosphere rotating with the Earth means there is no strong wind resistance or relative air movement caused by our speed, which would otherwise make the motion noticeable.
Statement 3: Without nearby stationary objects or objects moving at a different speed, we lack a visual reference frame to perceive our rapid motion. Distant celestial objects are too far away to provide this sense of rapid nearby movement.
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