Pearson Earth Science
Pearson Earth Science
17th Edition
ISBN: 9781323205877
Author: Edward J. Tarbuck
Publisher: PEARSON
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 21, Problem 1GST

a)

To determine

Whether the new measurements lead to more accurate calculation if Erathosthenes had measured the difference in the angles of the noonday  sun between Syene and Alexandria to be 10 degrees instead of 7 degrees with reference to Figure 21.3 in the textbook.

a)

Expert Solution
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1GST

Although Erathosthenes measured the difference in the angles of the noonday sun between Syene and Alexandria to be 10 degrees instead of 7 degrees that would not be an accurate calculation.

Explanation of Solution

Erasthosthenes (276-194 B.C.E) is the one who successfully attempted to establish the size of the Earth. His calculations were very close to the modern values.

Erasthosthenes calculated the angles of the noon day sun at two different Egyptian cities, namely Syene and Alexandria. They were roughly north and south of each other. He identified that the difference between the two angles is 7 degrees or 1/50 of a circle.

Therefore, he described the circumference of the Earth would be 50 times the distance between the two cities. He calculated the Earth’s circumference as 39,400 kilometers and the modern value of circumference is 40,075 kilometers.

b)

To determine

Whether the new measurements lead to an estimate for the circumference of the Earth that is larger or smaller than the original Erathosthenes’ estimates.

b)

Expert Solution
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1GST

As the angle increases to 10 degrees, it is 1/36 of a circle. Hence, the circumference of the Earth would be 36 times the distance between the two cities. Thus, the new measurements lead to an estimate for the circumference of the Earth, which is smaller than the original Erathosthenes’ estimates.

Explanation of Solution

Erasthosthenes calculated the angles of the noon day sun at two different Egyptian cities, namely Syene and Alexandria. They were roughly north and south of each other. He identified that the difference between the two angles is 7 degrees or 1/50 of a circle.

Therefore, he described that the circumference of the Earth would be 50 times the distance between the two cities. He calculated the Earth’s circumference as 39,400 kilometers and the modern value of circumference is 40,075 kilometers.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Who was consulted for the Crown Mountain Coking Coal Project?
environemtnal impact assessment timeline of Crown Mountain Coking Coal Project
what is the EIA process for the Crown Mountain Coking Coal Project?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Exercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134041360
Author:Greg Carbone
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science
Earth Science
ISBN:9781260153125
Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham Professor
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education
Text book image
Earth Science (15th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134543536
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
Earth Science
ISBN:9781337569613
Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Physical Geology
Earth Science
ISBN:9781259916823
Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, Lisa
Publisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,