As the earth rotates through one revolution, a person standing on the equator traces out a circular path whose radius is equal to the radius of the earth (6.38 x 10^6). What is the average speed of this person in meters per second and miles per hour?
Thanks...
2006-09-12 13:09:12 · 8 answers · asked by GameOver 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
no dont even thank me, because i got to throw it out that you need to be doing your own work, because im not really helping you.
when you are clueless on a test, im pretty sure you'll come back to thank me, when i did not tell you.
well either way i suck at physics; so ehh, sorry i cant help you, but if i could tell you; i wouldnt tell you. (since i wouldnt be helping you)
2006-09-12 13:13:32 · answer #1 · answered by smithelliott 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Radius (R) of the earth is 6.38 x 10^6 km.
The relationship between radius and Circumference (C) of the earth at the equator is:
C = 2*PI*R where PI = 3.14159...
Find the circumference and divide it by the the length of time that it takes for the earth to make one complete revolution. This is the length of a sidereal day (not a solar day) and you will get a result in km/hr. You should be able to convert that to m/s and mi/hr.
The sidereal day is 23 hours 56 minutes 4.09 seconds long.
2006-09-12 13:24:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Here is how to solve this, but do the math yourself, OK? Circumference of the Earth is equal to the radius (which you know) times two (to make it the diameter). The diameter times pi (look it up) equals the circumference, or the distance the person travels in 24 hours. Divide by 24 and you have units per hour.
2006-09-12 13:18:19 · answer #3 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't give the measurement you're using. I assume you have it though. You know how long the earth takes to go through one rotation. Since you have a distance and a time traveled you can figure out the speed.
2006-09-12 13:17:19 · answer #4 · answered by icetender 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The circumference of the earth at the equator is 24,901.55 miles (40,075.16 kilometers).
Using the time for one revolution on its axis as 24.0 hours --even though it is not precisely that. ( see http://tycho.usno.navy.mil )
speed=distance/time
using these figures for mph, 24,901.55miles/24hours gives approx 1037.56mph
for meters/sec just convert miles into meters and hours into seconds.
Either way, better hang on to something secure 1,000mph is moving pretty fast.
2006-09-12 13:21:04 · answer #5 · answered by quntmphys238 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is the measure for 6.38 x 10^6?
Contact me and I'll help you.
2006-09-12 13:12:11 · answer #6 · answered by Eric D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Total distance traveled is the circumference (C) = 2πr
C = 4.01x10^7 km_____(4.01x10^10 m = 2.49x10^7 miles)
One roatation takes place in about 24 hours (86400 seconds)
So the rate (R) = D/t = 4.01x10^10 m/86400 s = 4.64x10^5 m/s
-or-
2.49x10^7 miles/86400 s = 299.2 miles/s
Hope this helps.
2006-09-12 13:21:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
speed is distance divided by time, so find the distance and divide by the time...
2006-09-12 13:32:18 · answer #8 · answered by Ken H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋