The sun appears to be about 0.5 degrees in diameter. on the equator, approximately how long does it take for the sun to set, from first contact with the horizon to the sun completely below that horizon?
A) 2 minutes
B) 4 minutes
C) about one hour
D) 2 seconds
2006-12-13 04:07:04 · 6 answers · asked by LouLou 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
24 hours * .5degrees/360degrees = .033333 hours
.033333 hours * 60 mins/hour = 2 mins
so A) 2 minutes
2006-12-13 04:11:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lets figure this out, logically. One full circle is 360 degree. And the Earth does a complete revolution in about 24 hours. That means the sun seems to move 15 degree per hour, or 30 half degree per hour. That means one half degree is covered in 1/30 of an hour, which is... 2 minutes; right?
2006-12-13 12:14:33 · answer #2 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The earth's rotation is 15° an hour, that is 1° in 4 minutes, so 1/2° in 2 minutes.
2006-12-13 12:13:00 · answer #3 · answered by sudonym x 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sense the earth spins 15 degrees in an hour, it would be A 2 minutes.
2006-12-13 12:24:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Nature Nate's answer is correct. It actually takes a bit longer due to refraction of the atmosphere.
2006-12-13 12:14:24 · answer #5 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
4 minutes..i timed it once!
2006-12-13 12:12:39 · answer #6 · answered by CaptCanuck23 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋