Earth's spin

[rov1200]

As the Earth spins at over 1000mph at the equator could this ever be used to generate electricity?

[ChuckFickens]

indirectly it already is being used as one of the causes of tides is the rotation of the earth.

[fo3nix]

Spins relative to what?

[factor-fiction]

You'll need to explain why you think it might because at the moment I can't see how power could be generated from the earth's spinning.

[ChuckFickens]

I was trying to think of ways it could be used directly too... and also drew a blank :)

[Clanad]

Our intrepid scapegrace, Mr. Fickens is closer to an answer than he knows. Fact is, the Earth's "spinning" already generates electricity and plenty of it in the core.

The metallic (primarily iron) core in the Earth's center is nearly moon size and spins at a different velocity than the outer shell. Additionally, "... the inner core spins independently but at a slower speed -- one degree a year. At that rate, it would take the solid iron core 360 years to lap the rest of Earth.
The extra rotation apparently comes from a twisting force generated by the interaction between the magnetic fields of the inner and outer cores... The highly conductive iron moving in a magnetic field generates electricity, creating the equivalent of a huge generator, or dynamo, at the planet's center. This electricity, in turn, has its own magnetic field which is responsible for compasses pointing north, northern and southern lights, and other effects at the planet's surface." (Source: The Harvard University Gazette)
Now... if we can just agree on what size and style of plug-in it takes, we'd have all the electricity we could use...

[rov1200]

That's a very intelligent answer Clanad!

[heathfield]

According to some,the Earth's core rotates more slowly than the outer shell. On the other hand, according to others, it rotates more quickly. You takes your pick!