What is Altitude: Definition and 248 Discussions

Altitude or height (also sometimes known as depth) is a distance measurement, usually in the vertical or "up" direction, between a reference datum and a point or object. The exact definition and reference datum varies according to the context (e.g., aviation, geometry, geographical survey, sport, or atmospheric pressure). Although the term altitude is commonly used to mean the height above sea level of a location, in geography the term elevation is often preferred for this usage.
Vertical distance measurements in the "down" direction are commonly referred to as depth.

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  1. S

    Astrophysics- Calculate the altitude of a geosynchronous orbit

    a)Calculate the altitude of a geosynchronous orbit (an orbit that has an orbital period of one sidereal day)(altitude is measured from the surface of the earth/ The "r" in gravitational equations is always measured from the center of mass of an object. one may assume a circular orbit.) b) how...
  2. R

    Supersonic Jet: Mach 3 at Altitude 20,000m - Shock Wave & Boom Times

    Homework Statement A supersonic jet traveling at Mach 3.00 at an altitude of 20,000 meters is directly over a person at a time t=0 as show in figure (see below). (a) At what time will the person encounter the the shock wave? (b) Where will the plane be when the "boom" is finally heard? (Assume...
  3. C

    Need Help Star Polaris (azimuth and altitude)

    The star that I am looking for is Polaris. I Need to know the azimuth and altitude of the star polaris for a 2 hour period checking it ever fifteen minutes. I am in Middle Tennesse. Tonight (09/6/08) I come up with an azimuth of 20 degrees and the altitude was 77-78 Degrees. Can someone tell me...
  4. S

    Rocket's Max Altitude: 295 kg Weather Rocket

    A 295 kg weather rocket is loaded with 112 kg of fuel and fired straight up. It accelerates upward at 33.67 m/s2 for 35.2 s, then runs out of fuel. Ignore any air resistance effects. What is the rocket's maximum altitude? Im so lost if someone can please help me it would be so awesome
  5. C

    Finding Max Altitude Reached by Rocket with Constant Acceleration

    Homework Statement A Rocket is initially at rest on the ground. The rocket flies off in a straight line at an angle 53.1 degrees above the horizontal with a constant acceleration of magnitude \textbf{g}. The engines stop at a time \textbf{T} after launch, after which the rocket is in...
  6. Loren Booda

    At what altitude and velocity is an orbit geosynchronous?

    At what altitude and velocity is an orbit geosynchronous? Please include calculations. I am too old for this to be a homework problem - just exercising my mind.
  7. A

    Measurement - Cloud altitude

    Homework Statement Homework Equations theta = length / radius The Attempt at a Solution I came across this question in Fundamentals of Physics (Resnick / Halliday / Walker), in the chapter Measurement. Now I understand that this is a simple geometry-based question. Basically, the '38...
  8. J

    Making a bouyant high altitude balloon?

    Ok, I'm sure all of you have heard about or even built high altitude balloons. They often travel to about 80,000 - 100,000 feet (about 30 km or so). I was reading about a lot of them lately and I noticed that all designs had a parachute so that when the balloon burst, the payload could safely...
  9. J

    What is the altitude of the plane?

    Homework Statement A jet fighter in level flight passes directly overhead at a speed corresponding to Mach number 1.29. The sonic boom is heard by you on the ground 11.9 s later. What is the altitude of the plane? Assume (unrealistically) the speed of sound does not change with altitude...
  10. D

    Soundwave intensity due to altitude

    Homework Statement Consider a flat Earth with an atmosphere that decreases in density as altitude increases such that p = p0*e^{-h/H}, where p0 is the density of air at zero altitude and H is a constant known as the "scale height." Assume the bulk modulus of air is constant. a) Show...
  11. C

    Altitude and Azimuth of the Sun on the Summer Solstice at the Tropic of Cancer

    This question was recently on a test for our Astronomy Class. I was extremely confused by the question and the logic because my teacher had told us as a class that altitude was always equal to latitude. So please clarify. If it is the Summer Solstice and I am standing at the Tropic of Cancer...
  12. J

    Rocket's Max Altitude & Flight Time

    A 200kg weather rocket is loaded with 100 kg of fuel and fired straight up. It accelerates upward at 31.0 {\rm m/s^2} for 35.0 s, then runs out of fuel. Ignore any air resistance effects. I just don't know how to integrate the weight into the problem known variables (hopefully they are...
  13. M

    Finding Altitude on the Moon

    Finding altitude on the moon (urgent) Homework Statement A projectile is launched vertically from the surface of the Moon with an initial speed of 1700 m/s. At what altitude is the projectile's speed 27% of its initial value? Homework Equations Kinematics, Conservation of energy...
  14. B

    What affect does altitude have on boiling point?

    [SOLVED] What affect does altitude have on boiling point? What affect does altitude have on boiling point?
  15. O

    Free Fall and max altitude Question

    A ball is thrown vertically upward from the ground with an intial speed of 15m/s. How long does it take the ball to reach its maximum altitude? What is its maximum altitude? Determine the velocity and accelartion of the ball at t=2s. If anyone can help me with the relatively simple problem...
  16. R

    Model rocket How to achieve max. altitude? (w/out altering engine)

    I am building a model rocket for a school project, and I am using a PITSCO model rocket kit. We are not to be altering the engine in any way. What can I do to get the highest possible altitude and maximum time duration? (from launch till touchdown) As far as I know, the best thing we can do...
  17. O

    What is the altitude above earth's surface?

    Here's the question. I'm not sure how to apporoach it. A satellite has an orbital speed of 4.2 x 10 exponent 3 m/s. What is the altitude above Earth's surface? (M of Earth = 5.98 x 10 exponent 24 kg, radius of Earth = 6.38 x 10 exponent 6 m)
  18. Q

    Cosmic Ray Muon Production Altitude is not right

    Cosmic Ray Muon Production Altitude is not right! Hi there, I wrote a Programm to calculate the cosmic ray muon intensity on different altitudes. I dedicated this programm from the intensity of the primary cosmic rays and the intercations in the atmosphere. First a Proton with the Energy...
  19. C

    Earth's Rotation and Effect on Launch Altitude

    I know that as a rocket is launched closer to the equator it gets more of a "boost" in velocity due to the Earth's rotation, but I was wondering if anyone could explain the mechanism (e.g. the mathematics) behind this. I can visualize it but I don't see how the extra velocity gets added...
  20. T

    Does Balloon Lift Force Increase or Decrease with Altitude?

    As a helium balloon increases in altitude, the density of the air inside decreases. However, the density of the air surrounding it (The atmosphere) also decreases with altitude p=p0*exp(-z/z0), where z0 is the scale height of the atmosphere. So does this mean the lift force acting on the...
  21. P

    How can you calculate density from : altitude temperature and absolute humidity

    How can you calculate density from : altitude temperature and absolute humidity
  22. R

    Parachuting from 20 miles altitude

    The guy who parachuted from 20 miles up in the atmosphere - did he heat up significantly through friction with the air and how fast was he moving?
  23. B

    How Is Charge Density Calculated Between Two Altitudes?

    In the air over a particular region, at an altitude of 500 m above the ground, the electric field is 150 N/C directed downward. At 600 m above the ground, the electric field is 100 N/C downward. What is the average volume charge density in the layer of air between these two elevations? charge...
  24. T

    Determining the satellite's altitude above the surface of the Earth

    Homework Statement A satellite moves in a circular orbit around the Earth at a speed of 5.1km/s. Determine the satellite's altitude above the suface of the Earth. Assume the Earth is a homogenous sphere of radius Rearth= 6370km, and mass Mearth=5.98x10^24 kg. You will need...
  25. C

    Rocket's Max Altitude & Flight Time: Exploring an Error

    Homework Statement A 200kg rocket is loaded with 100kg of fuel and fired straight up. It accelerates at 30m/s^2 for 30sec and then runs out of fuel. Ignore any air resistance effects. a. What is the maximum altitude of the rocket? b. How long is the rocket in te air? c. Draw a position...
  26. W

    Find the satellite's altitude above the earth's surface

    When in orbit, a communication satellite attracts the Earth with a force of 15.1 kN and the earth-satellite gravitational potential energy (relative to zero at infinite separation) is - 1.49×10^11 J. Take the radius of the Earth to be r_e = 6.38×106 m. Find the satellite's altitude above the...
  27. M

    How Do You Calculate the Altitude and Distance of Spacecraft Using Trigonometry?

    I know this is simple, but I need help. I've attached the image (of ISS and SS with angles, etc..) Based upon the information provided on International Space Station (I.S.S.) and Space Shuttle (S.S.), and tracking stations C and D, answer following questions: a) What are the altitudes...
  28. P

    PROVE: The altitude of a triangle are concurrent.

    Hey, this proof has been annoying me all day. i don't understand what its asking do and have no idea how to solve it. The proof asks: Prove that the altitudes of a traingle are concurrent. Here is the diagram for it: http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/1899/pfji4.jpg...
  29. W

    O-ring Reaction to High Altitudes

    I am wondering if anyone knows how o-rings (such as nitrile, etc.) react when exposed to high altitudes -- especially in the case when under pressure. I guess I am thinking the thin air might harden them and cause a breakdown of the material -- but I'd like to hear some opinions or sources on...
  30. K

    Sonic boom plane altitude problem

    Hi, I am having trouble with the following question: A jet fighter in level flight passes directly overhead at a speed corresponding to Mach number 1.35. The sonic boom is heard by you on the ground 12.0 s later. What is the altitude of the plane? Assume (unrealistically) the speed of sound...
  31. A

    Spacecraft altitude and orbit problem

    A spacecraft (with its cargo, a satellite) is circling the Earth at a constant speed and an altitude of 600km. The combined mass of the craft and the satellite is 1.20×10^5 kg (kilograms). At phi = 0, the captain ejects the 1.10×10^4 kg satellite out the back. The speed of the satellite...
  32. D

    Projectile Motion maximum altitude of rocket

    A rocket is launched at an angle of 53o above the horizontal with an initial speed of 100m/s. It moves for 3s along its initial line of motion with an accelration of 30m/s2. At this time its engines fail and the rocket proceeds to move as a free body. Find a)the maximum altitude reached by the...
  33. S

    Projectile Motion: Escape Velocity and Altitude at 55%

    Question 1: If a projectile is launched from Earth with a speed equal to the escape speed, how high above the Earth's surface is it when its speed is 96% of the escape speed? On this question i understand i am not finding how high it would go if it were launched at 96% of the escape velocity...
  34. P

    Calculating Balloon Volume Change with Altitude

    A helium balloon has volume V0 and temperature T0 at sea level where the pressure is P0 and the air density is p. The balloon is allowed to float up in air to altitude y where the temperature is T1. a) Show that the colume occupised by the balloon is then V = V0(T1/T0)e^(+cy) where c =...
  35. D

    A question on air pressure & altitude

    Good afternoon Ladies & Gents, A question about the effect of air pressure on compressed air supply hoses. On the web site: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/air-altitude-pressure-25_462.html the absolute air pressure at 0 feet and 8000 feet, are given as 14.696 and 10.91 psi respectively...
  36. J

    Answer Altitude Questions on I.S.S., S.S., & Tracking Stations C & D

    Altitude Question... Based upon the information provided on International Space Station (I.S.S.) and Space Shuttle (S.S.), and tracking stations C and D, answer following questions: a) What are the altitudes of the space station and space shuttle? b) How far apart are they? (horizontal...
  37. B

    How do I find the satellite's altitude above the earth's surface

    When in orbit, a communication satellite attracts the Earth with a force of F and the earth-satellite gravitational potential energy (relative to zero at infinite separation) is - U. The radius of Earth is assumed to be r. How do I find the satellite's altitude above the Earth's surface and...
  38. S

    Calculating Altitude Using a Pendulum: A Simple Guide

    How can I measure altitude depending on the period of a pendulum? I know I have to calculate the value for g but I don't know how exactly altitude could be calculated.
  39. D

    Solve Homer's Altitude Problem

    Here is the problem: Homer Hickim and his friends shoot off a rocket. A fire is reported 3 miles away from the launch pad (1mile = 5289 feet). Homer and his friends are accused of the fire. Homer knows that the rocket took 14 seconds to come down from its highest point. This means that the...
  40. H

    Find the max altitude reached by the rocket

    I need help solving a physics problem. The question is a rocket is launched at an angle of 53o above the horizontal with an initial speed of 100 m/s. It moves for 3 s. along its initial line of motion with an acceleration of 30.0 m/s2. At this time its engines fail and the rocket proceeds...
  41. L

    Why does the temperature decreases with increase in altitude

    1)what is entropy ? 2)why does the temperature decreases with increase in altitude
  42. N

    Proving Altitude Sum Inequality in a Triangle

    Altitude Sum Proof Hi all, I have this problem that I have no idea where to start. It asks to prove for a triangle with altitudes h_a, h_b, and h_c, that \frac{1}{h_a} < \frac{1}{h_b} + \frac{1}{h_c} Any idea how to begin this proof? I've tried all sorts of algebra, and utitlizing the...
  43. E

    Kepler's Laws and altitude of orbit

    A orbiting satellite stays over a certain spot on the equator of (rotating) Mars. What is the altitude of the orbit (called a "synchronous orbit")? The answer is in km. That is all the information given... I have been trying for awhile now... anyone know?
  44. N

    Altitude Adjustments for Pressure Cookers: Why is it Necessary?

    When operating a pressure cooker (autoclave) at high altitudes, why is it necessary to adjust pressure or cooking times to maintain the target temperature ? The weight of the ball that holds in pressure is still the same, therefore temperature and pressure should be the same. At 15psi the...
  45. G

    Atmospheric pressure at high altitude

    I was a bit surprised to find that the average recorded atmospheric pressures at such locations as Mexico City (2.2 km above sea level) are roughly equivalent to those *at* sea level, i.e. in the 99-102 kPa range. I find this a bit odd, since the air density at this location is just under 80%...
  46. T

    What is the maximum altitude reached?

    First Problem: 10 pts) A CESSNA Citation attains an airspeed of 680 km/hr. The plane sets out for a destination 1258 km to the north (a 0o course) but discovers that the plane must be headed 20o east of north to fly there directly. The plane arrives in 2.00 h. What is the wind speed? What is...
  47. enigma

    Looking for a Lunar altitude map

    Hi all, I'm trying to locate a map with a lunar "sea-level" and colors (or similar) which change based on relative altitudes. I'm striking out online in my quick 15 minute search. Does anyone know of where I should be looking? Thanks,
  48. B

    What maximum altitude does the rocket reach

    A rocket rises vertically, from rest with an acceleration of 3.2 m/s until it runs out of fuel at an altitude of 1200 m. After this point, its acceleration is that of gravity, downward. (a) what is the velocity when it runs out of fuel.(b) How long does it take to reach this point. (c) what...
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