Kinematic Distance Problem? Can't Tell

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the diameter of the moon based on the angle subtended by its diameter as observed from Earth and the distance to the moon. The subject area pertains to kinematics and trigonometry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to start the problem and suggests it may relate to kinematics. Some participants indicate that it is a trigonometry problem and provide a rough estimate of the moon's diameter based on the Earth's diameter. Others question the basis for this estimate and discuss the geometric interpretation involving a triangle.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the trigonometric nature of the problem, but there is no consensus on the approach or the reasoning behind the estimates provided.

Contextual Notes

Participants note a lack of clarity regarding the equations needed to solve the problem and question the assumptions about the moon's diameter being a fraction of the Earth's diameter.

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Homework Statement


An observer on the Earth observes the angle subtended by the diameter of the moon to be 0.009199 radians. If the moon is 234,800 miles away, what is its diameter?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Not quite sure where to begin with this one. I think it may be a kinematics distance problem but not 100% sure. Suggestions?
 
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This is a common trigonometry problem.

Go from there.
 
Btw the result must be somewhere around 4 times less than the Earth's so around 3100 km or 1500 miles.
 
still not sure where to begin as far as equations go.

how do we know it will be 4 times less than the earth?
 
adk said:
still not sure where to begin as far as equations go.

how do we know it will be 4 times less than the earth?

This is general knoledge.

Imagine a triangle with one point the observer, and the other the poles of the moon, you have one angle and a distance which is the height of the trianlge in the Observers point...
 

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