2006-08-11 12:18:59 · 5 answers · asked by vegasmax 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
I have been researching the curvature for a while, one web page calculates it at 8 inches per mile. However, Dr math at http://mathforum.org/library/drmath/view/54904.html calculates it at 16 ft per 10 miles (about 19 inches per mile) I always thought that it was 16 feet every 5 miles which is escape velocity isn't it?
2006-08-13 18:27:57 · answer #1 · answered by glenb39 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As others have pointed out, the earth is curved because it is for the most part spherical in shape.
The earth is actually a spheroid, being flatter at the poles and wider at the equator. (caused by the planet's rotation)
The earth appears flat to the casual observer because the earth is so big that one can only see the curvature when viewed from a great height.
2006-08-13 00:28:01 · answer #2 · answered by sparc77 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the earth is roughly round. when you view the horizon from a distance you can see part of this roundness, referred to as "the curvature of the earth"
2006-08-11 19:24:45 · answer #3 · answered by seeker100 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not think someone estimated the eqution of the earth (assuming that earth is smooth).
2006-08-11 19:25:07 · answer #4 · answered by fwrs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
earth is an orb, ball! so its round!!!
2006-08-11 19:24:23 · answer #5 · answered by Wounded duckmate 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋