Calculating Distance Between Earth and Moon using Mirrors | Space Homework

[wilson_chem90]

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

 

[w3390]

You found the distance of the round trip the light takes.

 

[wilson_chem90]

so does that mean i divide it by 2?

 

[w3390]

yup.

 

[wilson_chem90]

oh okay thank you very much