Question 4

A particle is released from rest at a height $h$ above the Earth's surface at a northern latitude $\lambda$. Show that it strikes the ground with a small easterly deflection given approximately by

$$x_E \approx {g\over 3} \left[ {2h\over g} \right]^{3/2} \omega \, \cos\lambda,$$

where $\omega$ is the angular velocity of the Earth. How large is this this deflection for $h=100$ m and $\lambda =45^\circ$?

[Hints can be found here, but do not follow this link until you have attempted the question on your own.]