Prove Earth is Round: Math Equation

[chewy11577]

Homework Statement

Can you prove the Earth is round by mathematical equation?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[cristo]

Is this really a homework question? If so, you should fill in sections 2 and 3 of the homework posting template.

 

[Dick]

Homework Statement

Can you prove the Earth is round by mathematical equation?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Obviously not. The Earth being flat is not inconsistent with mathematics. You have to make a physical observation.

 

[Feldoh]

Obviously not. The Earth being flat is not inconsistent with mathematics. You have to make a physical observation.

Define "round" it's sort of ambiguous

 

[Defennder]

Spherical?

 

[Gear300]

Can you prove the Earth is round by mathematical equation?

The Earth is actually closer to an oblate spheroid (if I have it right)...yes, this can be shown mathematically.

 

[stewartcs]

Homework Statement

Can you prove the Earth is round by mathematical equation?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Probably not since the Earth is not round.

It has a buldge at the equator...too many donuts.

CS

 

[black_squirrel]

yea use the formula for the surface area of a sphere 4pi*r². Then compare it to the actual surface area of the earth. you will see that the numbers do not match proving Earth is flat :D

 

[Alex6200]

Put simply one could observe that it is possible to circumnavigate the globe, or leave the Earth in a spaceship without seeing the edge. It's not difficult.

And yes, you can't prove that the Earth is round through mathematics, you have to show an observation.