Calculating Speed on Earth's Equator and at Specific Latitude: A Physics Problem

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To calculate the speed of a point on Earth's equator, the circumference is determined using the Earth's radius of 6400 km, resulting in a speed of approximately 465.4 m/s, as verified by the book's answer. For Beirut at latitude 34º, the radius of the circle at that latitude must be calculated using basic trigonometry, leading to a speed of about 385.6 m/s. The problem emphasizes that the calculations rely on simple geometry rather than advanced physics concepts. Understanding the relationship between circumference, time, and speed is key to solving these types of problems. This discussion highlights the accessibility of physics calculations when approached methodically.
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Genius in physics wanted!

I have this question that i tried to solve for ages now and i still can't figure it out, in other word help would be very much appreciated. :confused:

QUESTION: The Earth's radius is 6400km. How fast is a point on the equator moving? What is the speed of Beirut at latitude 34º?

The answer in the back of my book says i.) 465.4 m/s, ii.)385.6 m/s.

The question is from the book on advanced physics from Steve Adams and Jonathan Allday (topic 3.1 q.5)

Thank you very much,to who ever it is,that can help me
 
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Assume that the Earth is a perfect sphere

You know the radius of the sphere. Now what is the circumference of the equator, given that it is a circle whose radius is given in the problem? You know how much time it takes for a point in the equator to get back to the same position. It is one day. So the speed of the equator point is the circumference divided by this time.

Coming to the second part, what is the radius of a circle that passes through all latitude 34 points in the Earth's surface, including Beirut. Once you calculate this radius by drawing it on paper and using some basic trigonometry , repeat the above method using this radius.

Hope I haven't confused you further. Good luck.

As you will realize, it does not require a physics genius to solve this problem.
 
Thank you very much for your help :)
 
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