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The diameter of Earth is about 7,920 miles. A satellite orbits 200 miles above Earth’s surface. Calculate the circumference of Earth and the distance the satellite travels in one orbit around Earth.

The diameter of Earth is about 7,920 miles. A satellite orbits 200 miles above Earth-example-1

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7,920 × 3.14 = 24,868.8, not the answer above. How is this right?

User Takenia
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The circumference of Earth can be calculated using the formula:

Circumference = π x Diameter

where π (Pi) is a mathematical constant approximately equal to 3.14.

Circumference = 3.14 x 7,920 miles
Circumference = 24,876.8 miles

So the circumference of Earth is approximately 24,876.8 miles.

The distance traveled by the satellite during one orbit around Earth is equal to the circumference of the orbit, which is the sum of the distance traveled horizontally (the circumference of Earth) and the distance traveled vertically (the altitude of the satellite).

The altitude of the satellite is given as 200 miles, so the radius of the orbit is 7,920 + 200 = 8,120 miles. The circumference of the orbit can be calculated using the formula:

Circumference of orbit = 2 x π x radius

Circumference of orbit = 2 x 3.14 x 8,120 miles
Circumference of orbit = 51,139.2 miles

So the distance traveled by the satellite during one orbit around Earth is approximately 51,139.2 miles.
User Hyojung
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