2006-08-08 22:06:51 · 7 answers · asked by TradeShot 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
It's an approximation. But when you're talking that big of a number, what's a few inches or feet here and there?
2006-08-08 22:11:36 · answer #1 · answered by dk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The metric system is a top-down system. Scientists were commissed to invent it based on the number ten and grand principles, whereas all previous measurement systems were based on everyday things, like body parts and cups and spoons.
They defined a meter as one-ten millionth of the distance from the equator to the north pole, and a kilometer as 1000m, so one-ten thousanth of that distance. Multiply that by four to get the circumference through the poles. BUT I think they made some slight mistakes along the way, and the circumference around the equator is slightly greater. A meter has since been redefined in terms of light waves. But the circumference of the earth is nevertheless pretty close to 40 000kms.
2006-08-09 00:04:43 · answer #2 · answered by Goddess of Grammar 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it is. Where are you measuring the circumference? On the equator, or connecting the North-South poles. There are so many possibilities to measure earths circumference at so many different angles that it can't possibly be 40,000 km everytime. Considering mounain ranges add to it and flat surfaces such as oceans take away.
2006-08-08 22:13:42 · answer #3 · answered by ilovemyarmyguy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The average radius of the Earth is 3,959 miles (6,374 kilometers).
The equitorial diameter of the Earth (distance from one side of the Earth to the other at the equator) is about 7,926 miles.
The ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle (circumference/diameter)
is written as the symbol pi.
Pi is approximately 3.141592.
3.14159265
3.1415926535
Therefore, to determine the circumference from the diameter given above:
equitorial diameter x 3.141592 = equitorial circumference
7,926 x 3.141592 = 24,900
The earth has a circumference of approximately 24,900 miles.
More precisely the circumference of the earth
at the equator is 24,902 mi / 40,076 km.
2006-08-08 22:14:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The circumference of the earth at the equator is 24,901.55 miles (40,075.16 kilometers).
But, if you measure the earth through the poles the circumference is a bit shorter - 24,859.82 miles (40,008 km). This the earth is a tad wider than it is tall, giving it a slight bulge at the equator. This shape is known as an ellipsoid or more properly, geoid (earth-like).
2006-08-08 22:11:04 · answer #5 · answered by Srikanth™ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not. It is an approximation.
2006-08-08 22:09:30 · answer #6 · answered by Geepee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont know-sorry
2006-08-08 22:10:23 · answer #7 · answered by hanifrng 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋