Linear velocity at equator with respect to the sun

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the linear velocity of a person standing at the Earth's equator with respect to the Sun, particularly when the Sun is at the Eastern horizon. The problem involves concepts from circular motion and relative velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the Earth's motion and the Sun's position, questioning whether to treat the Earth as a particle orbiting the Sun. There is uncertainty about how to incorporate the "with respect to" aspect and the significance of the "eastern horizon" in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the nature of the problem, noting that it involves circular motion and suggesting that a visual representation may aid in understanding. However, there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take or the calculations needed.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to consider both tangential velocities relative to the Earth and the Sun, indicating potential complexities in the calculations. The problem's framing suggests a focus on relative motion, but specific details and assumptions remain under discussion.

deathcap00
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Homework Statement



What is the linear velocity of a persion standing at the Earth’s equator with respect to the Sun, when the Sun is just at the Eastern horizon?

Homework Equations



Not sure, I used to v=d/t to solve for a person's linear velocity at the equator, just not sure how to handle the "with respect to" portion and how to use the "eastern horizon" information to help shape a solution.
 
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Do I consider the Earth a particle circling the sun first or something?
 
does anyone have any suggestions on this one? I can't see to figure it out, thanks all.
 
deathcap00 said:

Homework Statement



What is the linear velocity of a persion standing at the Earth’s equator with respect to the Sun, when the Sun is just at the Eastern horizon?

Homework Equations



Not sure, I used to v=d/t to solve for a person's linear velocity at the equator, just not sure how to handle the "with respect to" portion and how to use the "eastern horizon" information to help shape a solution.

Although the problem mentions "linear velocity", this is a circular motion problem. A person standing on the Equator has a tangential velocity relative to the center of the Earth, and it also has a tangential velocity relative to the center of the Sun. It may turn out that the "speed", or magnitude, of one of these tangential velocities is negligible when compared to the other, but you must run the numbers through to see. Step #1, for you, is to draw a picture. I'll get you started:

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/4949/Earth'sun.jpg

n.b. Picture is not to scale, [itex]\rm \frac{R_E}{1 AU} \sim 1~x~10^{-5}[/itex]
 
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