wat is the difference between polar radius and equatorial radius shouldn't both bethe sameifmeasuredfromcentre

Question

the radius should be measured from the centre of the earth to the point on the surface or from the axis to the point if its from the axis then the polar radius should be zero shouldn't it

Answer 1

The radius is measured from the point at the centre of the Earth, not from the polar axis through the centre of the Earth. On this basis, the polar radius is only 6357 km, while the equatorial radius is larger at 6378 km because the non-rigid mantle is distorted by the centrifugal force of the daily spin.

The web page explains it quite clearly.

Answer 2

Equatorial Radius Of Earth

Answer 3

Nope. The earth is an 'oblate spheroid'
You are familiar with centrifuge? The force that throws things that are spinning, outward from the axis of rotation. The earth is no different. Centrifuge stretches it out around the equator, so the earth is actually a slightly flattened spheroid. (Do a google image search for 'oblate spheroid'. Then you'll see what I mean).

Answer 4

you would be right if the earth were a perfect sphere but it is not. it is, in fact, an oblate spheroid which is a little fatter at the equator. just imagine a beach ball with someone sitting on it. The top and bottom get a little flatter and the outer circumference at the middle of the ball is wider.

Answer 5

if I understand your questions, the earth isn't spherical, it's slightly flattened at the poles. therefore the equatorial radius is slightly greater than the polar radius.

Answer 6

they would be the same if the earth were a perfect sphere, yes.

but the earth is more elliptically shaped. to picture the true shape of the earth, imagine an egg, laying on its side.

okay, that's an exaggerated depiction true, but it accurately describes how the earth is shaped.