Final answer:
To achieve maximum coverage of the signal, a line of sight should be formed between the satellite and the point on Earth's surface. By creating a cross-sectional diagram in GeoGebra, you can measure the angle formed and determine the height of the satellite above the surface. The optimal height for maximum coverage is equal to the sum of the radius of Earth and the height measured from the diagram.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to achieve maximum coverage of the signal across Earth, a line of sight should be formed between the point where the satellite is located and the point on Earth's surface where the signal is received.
To determine the optimal height for the satellite, you can create a cross-sectional diagram in GeoGebra. Label the center of Earth as point C, the position of the satellite as point S, and the farthest points on Earth where the signal will reach as points P1 and P2. Draw a radius from C to P1 and a line segment from S to P1. Measure and record the angle formed at their intersection. CP¯1 represents the radius of Earth, while SP¯1 represents the height of the satellite above the surface of Earth.
The distance that the satellite needs to be above the surface of Earth to provide maximum coverage of its signal is equal to the radius of Earth plus the height at which the satellite is located. By adding the approximate radius of Earth to the height, you can determine the required distance above the surface.