Calculating Sun's Distance with Light Speed | Need Help with Equations and Units

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the distance from the Earth to the Sun using the speed of light and the time it takes for light to travel that distance. The subject area includes concepts from kinematics and basic physics principles related to distance, speed, and time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between distance, speed, and time, with emphasis on the need to convert time into seconds for calculations. There is an exploration of using kinematic equations, though some participants question the relevance of acceleration in this context.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing guidance on necessary conversions and calculations. There is a recognition of the importance of using the correct formula and units, and while some calculations have been attempted, there is no explicit consensus on the final answer.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions that their teacher requires detailed steps, units, and equations, which influences how participants approach the problem. There is also a note of uncertainty regarding the use of acceleration in the context of this problem.

motoxtremechick
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hey guys I am new to this thing but i really need some help so i thought i would try it out see how it goes..
so here's the problwm

light traveling at 3.0 times 10^8 m/sec requires 8.3 minutes to reach the earth. how far away is the sun?

my teacher is really picky about showing steps and units and equations =\

any help is greatly appreciated!
 
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What's the basic relationship between distance, speed, and time? Don't forget to convert that time to seconds before calculating the distance.
 
light is in m/sec soo what do you think you should do first?
 
yea that's where is started and converted it into 498 seconds
then since were using kinematics equations in class i thought i would use

d=Vit+1/2at^2
d= distance or delta x
and for acceration its delta V over delta t

im just way stuck and I am not sure why

i got 1.2times 10^10th but i think its wrong
 
motoxtremechick said:
and for acceration its delta V over delta t
The speed of light is a constant--there's no acceleration.
 
alright let's see what you have:
d = ?
v = 3.0 times 10^8 m/sec
t = 498 seconds

using only v and t you are able to get d
 
o wow..
i see
all i needed to do was convert it into seconds and then multiply the two huh?
so it would be 1.49times 10^11
 
thanks so much for taking the time to help me out!
 

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