Circumference of Earth: 40,075 Miles

  • Thread starter prabhjyot
  • Start date
In summary, the circumference of Earth was first calculated by Eratosthenes around 240 BC using the difference in angles of the shadow cast by a vertical pole in two different cities. The measurement of 40,075 miles is an approximation and the actual circumference varies slightly. Over time, the measurement has become more accurate and is currently 40,075.017 km or 24,901.461 miles. The circumference of Earth is commonly expressed in kilometers or miles, but can also be expressed in meters or feet. Knowing the circumference of Earth is important for navigation, mapping, understanding its shape and size, and gaining a better understanding of our planet's place in the solar system.
  • #1
prabhjyot
10
0
question:how many miles around the world via the Poles ?

is it circumference of he earth..?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
This is not a tutorial so I am moving it- not entirely sure where it belongs but I think I will put it in "Homework- other sciences".

Yes, as far as you can approximate the world by a sphere, any great circle, including through the two poles will have length equal to the circumference of the earth.
 
  • #3
Although the Earth is close to a perfect sphere, the equatorial raidus (6.38 x 10^6 m) is slightly bigger than the polar radius (6.36 x 10^6 m)
 

1. How was the circumference of Earth calculated?

The circumference of Earth was first calculated by the ancient Greek mathematician Eratosthenes around 240 BC. He measured the angle of the shadow cast by a vertical pole in two different cities on the same day, and used the difference in angles to calculate the Earth's circumference.

2. Is the measurement of 40,075 miles exact?

No, the measurement of 40,075 miles is an approximation. The actual circumference of the Earth varies slightly depending on the location and topography.

3. How has the measurement of the Earth's circumference changed over time?

The measurement of the Earth's circumference has become more accurate over time as technology and methods of measurement have improved. Today, the most accurate measurement of the Earth's circumference is 40,075.017 km, which is equivalent to 24,901.461 miles.

4. What unit of measurement is used to express the circumference of Earth?

The circumference of Earth is most commonly expressed in kilometers or miles. In scientific measurements, it is also sometimes expressed in meters or feet.

5. Why is knowing the circumference of Earth important?

Knowing the circumference of Earth is important for a variety of reasons. It allows us to accurately navigate and map the Earth's surface, understand its shape and size, and calculate distances and travel times. It also helps us gain a better understanding of our planet's place in the solar system and beyond.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
599
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
32
Views
1K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
9
Views
947
Replies
53
Views
5K
Replies
38
Views
3K
  • New Member Introductions
Replies
1
Views
67
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
55
Views
3K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
3
Replies
80
Views
4K
Back
Top