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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a multi-part question regarding the calculations of speed in degrees of latitude and longitude for an airplane flying at a constant speed. Participants explore the concepts of latitude, longitude, great circles, parallels, and meridians, while also addressing the assumptions regarding the Earth's shape and radius.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests clarification on the definitions of latitude and longitude, as well as the concepts of great circles, parallels, and meridians.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of showing work done so far in order to receive assistance.
  • Some participants express confusion about calculating the Earth's radius at specific latitudes and seek guidance on how to approach this calculation.
  • It is noted that if the Earth is assumed to be a sphere, the radius is constant everywhere, which simplifies the calculations.
  • A participant suggests using right-triangle trigonometry to find the radius of the circle of latitude at specific degrees.
  • One participant reports that their group successfully figured out the calculations using trigonometry, indicating progress in their understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to calculate the radius of the Earth at specific latitudes and the applicability of trigonometry for this purpose. However, there is no consensus on the specifics of the calculations or the necessity of the Earth's radius in the context of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the assumption of the Earth being a sphere, which may limit the accuracy of calculations at different latitudes. The discussion also highlights the need for clarity in homework-related questions to facilitate better assistance.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students seeking help with homework related to spherical geometry, trigonometry, and the application of latitude and longitude in practical scenarios.

Jer!cho
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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!
 
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What work have you done so far? We don't just give you the answers here.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
If you are going to try to trick us into thinking this is not homework, don't phrase it like homework!:-p
 
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?
 
It says to assume the Earth is a sphere. On a sphere, the radius anywhere is the radius everywhere.
 
Jer!cho said:
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.)
 
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
 

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