John, The earth will not stop completely, at least due to tidal friction. Ignoring nonlinear effects, the tides cause an "exponential decay" in rotation rate, a given fraction every year. The water in an initially-stirred jar of water never stops either (in theory) for the same reasons.
I yield to others for answers to your other interesting questions. Gordon At 06:56 AM 2/28/99 , Phil Pappas wrote: >Hi guys, > >If the earth's rotation is slowing, due to lunar tidal drag, then in what >year will it stop completely? Gordon Uber [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reynen & Uber Web Design http://www.ubr.com/rey&ubr/ Webmaster: Clocks and Time http://www.ubr.com/clocks/
