How traveling 1nmi along a meridian generates a change of lattitude ....

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the relationship between traveling along a meridian and the resulting change in latitude. Participants explore the concepts of meridians, latitude, and the Earth's circumference in the context of navigation and geometry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to clarify the definition of a meridian and its relation to latitude. Questions are raised about the Earth's circumference and how it relates to degrees and minutes of arc. There is also an exploration of the distance traveled when moving one minute of arc along a meridian.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and asking clarifying questions. Some have offered calculations related to the Earth's circumference and the conversion of degrees to minutes, while others express confusion about the details and seek further explanation.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some misunderstanding regarding the calculations of degrees and minutes, as well as the circumference of the Earth. Participants are encouraged to clarify these points without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Magnetons
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Homework Statement
A nautical mile (nmi) equals 1.151 mi, or 1852 m. Show that
the distance of 1 nmi along a meridian of the Earth corre-
sponds to a change in latitude of 1 minute of arc.
Relevant Equations
Unit of length.
can't understand
 
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Do you know what a meridian is and how it relates to latitude?
There are 60 minutes to a degree. How far is it around the Earth? If you travel only one mInute of arc around the Earth, how far have you gone?
 
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I only know about the meridians, Meridians are the imaginary lines that connect the north pole to the south pole.
360degree=60*360 minutes=21600 minutes.
 
Magnetons said:
Meridians are the imaginary lines that connect the north pole to the south pole.
Right, also known as lines of longitude. Latitude runs the other way, so as you travel along a meridian you cross lines of latitude.
Look up the circumference of the Earth. If a circumference goes around 360 degrees, what fraction of that is one minute?
 
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1/21660
 
Magnetons said:
1/21660
Small error there.
When you've corrected that, what does that equate to in miles or metres?
 
Sorry, I can't understand what you saying.
 
Magnetons said:
Sorry, I can't understand what you saying.
360x60 is not 21660.
What is the circumference of the Earth, in miles or km?
If that corresponds to 360 degrees, what distance corresponds to one minute of arc?
 
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