Question

A planet is observed from two diametric extremes of the Earth. If the radius of earth is 6400 km and the angle of parallax is 1°26', estimate the distance of the planet from the Earth (in m).
Choose answer: 51 × 107
61 × 107
71 × 107
81 × 107

Answer 1

Dear Student,

◆ Answer -

x = 51.17×10^7 m

● Explaination -

# Given -

r = 6400 km = 6.4×10^6 m

θ = 1° 26' = 86/60 ° = 86/60 × π/180 rad

# Solution -

Formula for angle of parallax is -

θ = d / x

θ = 2r / x

x = 2r / θ

Substitute values,

x = 2 × 6.4×10^6 / (86/60 × π/180)

x = 51.17×10^7 m

Therefore, distance of the planet from the Earth is 51.17×10^7 m.

Hope this helps you...