Calculating Distance Between Earth and Moon using Mirrors | Space Homework

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The discussion focuses on calculating the distance between Earth and the Moon using mirrors left on the lunar surface. A pulse of light takes 2.562 seconds for a round trip, leading to the application of the formula d = vt, where the speed of light is approximately 2.998 x 10^8 m/s. The calculated distance for the round trip is 768,087,600 meters or 768,087.6 kilometers. Participants confirm that this distance represents the round trip, necessitating division by two to find the one-way distance. The final distance from Earth to the Moon is approximately 384,043.8 kilometers.
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Homework Statement


Mirrors left behind the Moon have been used to measure the distance between Earth and the Moon accurately. If the time required for a pulse of light to reach the Moon and return to Earth is 2.562 s, calculate the distance between Earth and the Moon in kilometers.


Homework Equations


v = d/t


The Attempt at a Solution



c = v, therefore 2.998 x 10^8 m/s = v

d = vt
= (2.998 x 10^8 m/s)(2.562 s)
= 768087600 m
= 768,087.6 km
 
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You found the distance of the round trip the light takes.
 
so does that mean i divide it by 2?
 
yup.
 
oh okay thank you very much
 

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