Units and Measurement

Question : 32

Total: 33

It is a well known fact that during a total solar eclipse the disc of the moon almost completely covers the disc of the Sun. From this fact determine the approximate diameter of the moon. [

Earth−Moon‌distance=3.84×108m

Sun−Earth‌distance=1.496×1011 m

Sun′s‌diameter=1.39×109m

]

Solution:

Distance of moon from earth, ME=3.84×108m
Distance of sun from earth,
SE=1.496×1011m.
Diameter of sun AB=1.39×109 m.
The situation during total solar
eclipse is shown in figure
As Δs ABEand CDE are similar, therefore,
CD=AB×

1.39×109×3.84×108

1.496×1011

=3.5679×106m
=3567.9km
This is the diameter of the moon.

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