SOLUTION: How fast would you have to travel on the surface of earth at the equator to keep up with the sun (that is, so that the sun would appear to remain in the same position in the sky)?
Algebra ->
Trigonometry-basics
-> SOLUTION: How fast would you have to travel on the surface of earth at the equator to keep up with the sun (that is, so that the sun would appear to remain in the same position in the sky)?
Log On
Question 721131: How fast would you have to travel on the surface of earth at the equator to keep up with the sun (that is, so that the sun would appear to remain in the same position in the sky)? Assume the radius of the earth at the equator is 3960 miles.
Here is what I have so far,
I believe that I am trying to solve for linear velocity (v=rw:radius times angular velocity. I think that w=2pi (or 365 degrees). and radius=3960miles. after that point I'm stuck. Answer by lwsshak3(11628) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! How fast would you have to travel on the surface of earth at the equator to keep up with the sun (that is, so that the sun would appear to remain in the same position in the sky)? Assume the radius of the earth at the equator is 3960 miles.
***
The earth makes one revolution every 24 hours.
Each revolution=2π*radius=7920π miles
linear speed of earth=7920π miles/24 hours≈1037 mi/hr
In order to make it appear the sun stays in the same position, one must travel at this speed against the rotation of the earth which is west to east. Traveling at this speed east to west at the equator in effect makes one stationary with respect to the sun. I think.