Because of the curvature of the earth, the maximum distance D that you can see from the top of a tall building of height h is estimated by the formula D = 2rh + h2 where r = 3960 mi is the radius of the earth and D and h are also measured in miles. How far can you see from the observation deck of a tall building, 1100 ft above the ground? (Round your answer to one decimal place.)

Question

Physics

Livia Houston

13 December, 16:52

Because of the curvature of the earth, the maximum distance D that you can see from the top of a tall building of height h is estimated by the formula D = 2rh + h2 where r = 3960 mi is the radius of the earth and D and h are also measured in miles. How far can you see from the observation deck of a tall building, 1100 ft above the ground? (Round your answer to one decimal place.)

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Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Annalise Landry · Answer 1

D = 9.9 10⁶ mi

Explanation:

In the exercise they give the expression for maximum viewing distance

D = 2 r h + h²

Ask for this distance for a height of 1100 feet

Let's calculate

D = 2 3960 1100 + 1100²

D = 8.712 10⁶ + 1.21 10⁶

D = 9.92 10⁶ mi

D = 9.9 10⁶ mi