Linear velocity at equator with respect to the sun

In summary, the problem involves determining the linear velocity of a person standing at the Earth's equator with respect to the Sun when the Sun is just at the Eastern horizon. This is a circular motion problem and the first step is to draw a picture to visualize the situation. The tangential velocities of the person relative to the center of the Earth and the center of the Sun must be calculated and compared, taking into account the negligible effect of the Earth's rotation around the Sun.
  • #1
deathcap00
17
0

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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  • #2
Do I consider the Earth a particle circling the sun first or something?
 
  • #3
does anyone have any suggestions on this one? I can't see to figure it out, thanks all.
 
  • #4
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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Related to Linear velocity at equator with respect to the sun

1. What is linear velocity at the equator with respect to the sun?

The linear velocity at the equator with respect to the sun is the speed at which a point on the Earth's equator is moving in its orbit around the sun. This velocity is approximately 1670 kilometers per hour.

2. How is the linear velocity at the equator with respect to the sun calculated?

The linear velocity at the equator with respect to the sun can be calculated using the formula v = 2πr/T, where v is the linear velocity, r is the radius of the Earth (approximately 6,371 kilometers), and T is the time it takes for the Earth to complete one orbit around the sun (approximately 365.25 days).

3. Does the linear velocity at the equator with respect to the sun remain constant?

No, the linear velocity at the equator with respect to the sun varies slightly throughout the year due to the Earth's elliptical orbit and the tilt of its axis. It is also affected by the gravitational pull of other planets in the solar system.

4. How does the linear velocity at the equator with respect to the sun compare to the Earth's rotational velocity?

The linear velocity at the equator with respect to the sun is significantly faster than the Earth's rotational velocity, which is approximately 1670 kilometers per hour. This is because the Earth's rotation is much slower compared to its orbit around the sun.

5. What implications does the linear velocity at the equator with respect to the sun have on the Earth's climate and seasons?

The Earth's linear velocity at the equator with respect to the sun affects the distribution of sunlight and therefore plays a role in determining the Earth's climate and seasons. This velocity, along with the Earth's tilt, determines the amount and angle of sunlight received in different parts of the globe, leading to variations in temperatures and weather patterns.

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