Final answer:
The rotational speed in Exeter at 43 degrees latitude is approximately 500 mph. This is determined by multiplying the rotational speed at the equator (1,037 mph) by the cosine of the latitude (43 degrees).
Step-by-step explanation:
You have asked about the rotational speed of a person in Exeter based on the speed of a person at the equator. The person at the equator travels 24,881 miles in a day, which is approximately 1,037 miles per hour due to the Earth's rotation. However, the rotational speed decreases as you move away from the equator toward the poles. This is because the circumference of Earth's rotation diminishes with latitude.
To calculate the rotational speed in Exeter, which is at a latitude of 43 degrees, we can use the cosine of the latitude: Rotational Speed at Exeter = Rotational Speed at Equator × cosine(43 degrees). Given that the rotational speed at the equator is 1,037 mph, the calculation would be 1,037 × cosine(43 degrees).
After performing the calculation, you will find that the rotational speed in Exeter is closer to 500 mph. Therefore, the answer would be (b) 500 mph.