Question

Can someone please help me sort out this problem? "A boy standing at the equator jumps vertically into the air. Does he land in the exact same spot after landing?" I'm thinking that when he jumps he is also moving horizontally with the earth and so he will land in the same spot. But, I'm not sure how to explain it properly in terms of physics. Does it have to do with inertial frame of reference?

Answer 1

The boy's motion relative to EArth is vertical, and Gravity pulls him back to the initial position.

Answer 2

Thanks!