Question

A communication satellite is orbiting for above Earth, as shown in the figure. If the radius of Earth is r = 3%60 miles and the angle at Sis 11.3°, how far is the satellite from the surface of the earth (closest to the equator)? Round your answer to the nearest mile. 113 ОООО 19,818 mi 20,210 mi 16,250 mi 15,858 mi

Answer 1

As tangent is always perpendicular to the radius at that point

We know that

sin θ = perpendicular / hypotenuse

Sin θ = AP/AS

AS = AP / sin 11.3

BUT r = 3960 miles

And sin 11.3 = 0.19594

So , AS = 3960 /0.19594 = 20,209.64 miles

SP = distance of satellite from earth equator is 20,210 miles .

Hence, option (2) is correct.

If you like my answer please give me good rating thank you.