The earth spins on its axis once every 24 hours and its radius is 3960 miles. Find the angular speed in radians/hour and the linear speed in miles/hour of a point on the equator.

Trigonometry (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134217437
Author:Margaret L. Lial, John Hornsby, David I. Schneider, Callie Daniels
Publisher:Margaret L. Lial, John Hornsby, David I. Schneider, Callie Daniels
Chapter1: Trigonometric Functions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RE: 1. Give the measures of the complement and the supplement of an angle measuring 35°.
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The Earth spins on its axis once every 24 hours and its radius is 3960 miles. Find the angular speed in radians/hour and the linear speed in miles/hour of a point on the equator.

---

**Explanation:**

To find the angular speed in radians per hour, we use the formula for angular speed, \(\omega\), which is given by:

\[
\omega = \frac{\theta}{t}
\]

where \(\theta\) is the angle in radians and \(t\) is the time in hours. Since the Earth completes one full rotation (2π radians) in 24 hours:

\[
\omega = \frac{2\pi}{24} = \frac{\pi}{12} \, \text{radians/hour}
\]

To find the linear speed, \(v\), of a point on the equator, we use the formula:

\[
v = r \cdot \omega
\]

where \(r\) is the radius of the Earth:

\[
v = 3960 \cdot \frac{\pi}{12}
\]

Simplifying gives:

\[
v = 330\pi \, \text{miles/hour}
\]

This formula provides the speed at any point along the equator, where the Earth’s rotational effects are most straightforwardly felt.
Transcribed Image Text:The Earth spins on its axis once every 24 hours and its radius is 3960 miles. Find the angular speed in radians/hour and the linear speed in miles/hour of a point on the equator. --- **Explanation:** To find the angular speed in radians per hour, we use the formula for angular speed, \(\omega\), which is given by: \[ \omega = \frac{\theta}{t} \] where \(\theta\) is the angle in radians and \(t\) is the time in hours. Since the Earth completes one full rotation (2π radians) in 24 hours: \[ \omega = \frac{2\pi}{24} = \frac{\pi}{12} \, \text{radians/hour} \] To find the linear speed, \(v\), of a point on the equator, we use the formula: \[ v = r \cdot \omega \] where \(r\) is the radius of the Earth: \[ v = 3960 \cdot \frac{\pi}{12} \] Simplifying gives: \[ v = 330\pi \, \text{miles/hour} \] This formula provides the speed at any point along the equator, where the Earth’s rotational effects are most straightforwardly felt.
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