Help finding speed in degrees of latitude/longitude per hour?

[Jer!cho]

Here is the 3 part question:

Latitude and Longitude Discuss and explain the latitude and longitude
measurements on the Earth. Explain what is meant by a great circle, a
parallel and a meridian. Assume the Earth is a sphere with the equator
circumference of 40, 075 km.

(a) An airplane (low altitude flight) is flying 307 km/h along a meridian
of the Earth. Find the speed of the plane in degrees of latitude per
hour. Do you need the Earth’s radius? If so please find it.

(b) An airplane (low altitude flight) is flying 307 km/h along a parallel
going through Edmonton AP 53  34 0 N. Find the speed of the plane
in degrees of longitude per hour.

(c) An airplane (low altitude flight) is flying 307 km/h along a parallel
going through Yellowknife AP 62  28 0 N. Find the speed of the
plane in degrees of longitude per hour.

Please help!

 

[Char. Limit]

What work have you done so far? We don't just give you the answers here.

 

[HeLiXe]

hi jericho,

you should ask questions related to calc homework/coursework here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=156"

they ask for your attempt at the answer as Char. limit said so they can better guide you and give you help where needed.

 

[HallsofIvy]

If you are going to try to trick us into thinking this is not homework, don't phrase it like homework!:tongue2:

 

[Jer!cho]

My pals and I are stuck trying to figure out the radius of Earth at those 53 degrees and 62 degrees latitude. once we figure out how to do that, everything else will be very simple. does anyone know how to calculate the Earth's radius depending on the degree of latitude?

 

[Char. Limit]

It says to assume the Earth is a sphere. On a sphere, the radius anywhere is the radius everywhere.

 

[awkward]

My pals and I are stuck trying to figure out the radius of Earth at those 53 degrees and 62 degrees latitude. once we figure out how to do that, everything else will be very simple. does anyone know how to calculate the Earth's radius depending on the degree of latitude?

I think you mean you need to find the radius of the circle of latitude at (for example) 53 degrees. If you assume the Earth is a sphere of known radius, all it takes is a little right-triangle trigonometry. Take a cross-section through the poles and the center of the Earth and draw a diagram. (I would draw it for you, but I'm lousy at ascii diagrams.)

 

[Jer!cho]

awesome, thanks for your help guys, we actually did end up figuring it out... my group members and I... and using the right angle trigonometry does indeed work, so thanks for the clarification! many thanks