Coriolis Effect

This interactive simulator explores Coriolis Effect in Classical Mechanics. Puck on a rotating platform: curved path in the rotating frame vs straight line inertial. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.

Who it's for: Best once you already know the basic definitions and want to build intuition. Typical context: Classical Mechanics.

Key terms

  • coriolis
  • effect
  • coriolis effect
  • mechanics
  • classical

Live graphs

How it works

On a rotating turntable, a puck sliding without real horizontal forces follows a curved path in the platform frame. In an inertial lab frame that path is a straight line; transforming that line into rotating coordinates reproduces the Coriolis and centrifugal effects you feel in the rotating description.

Key equations

a = −2ω×v − ω×(ω×r)  (no real force),   ω = Ωk̂
Components:   a_x = Ω²x + 2Ωv_y,   a_y = Ω²y − 2Ωv_x