The moon is observed from two diametrically opposite points $A$ and $B$ on Earth. The angle $\theta$ subtended at the moon by the two directions of observation is $1^{\circ} 54^{\prime}$. Given the diameter of the Earth to be about $1.276 \times 10^{7} \; m$,compute the distance of the moon from the Earth.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(D) Given: The angle $\theta = 1^{\circ} 54^{\prime} = 60^{\prime} + 54^{\prime} = 114^{\prime}$.
To convert $\theta$ into radians,we use the relation $1^{\prime} = 2.91 \times 10^{-4} \; rad$.
So,$\theta = 114 \times 2.91 \times 10^{-4} \; rad \approx 3.32 \times 10^{-2} \; rad$.
The diameter of the Earth $b = 1.276 \times 10^{7} \; m$.
Using the parallax formula $D = b / \theta$,where $D$ is the distance of the moon from the Earth:
$D = \frac{1.276 \times 10^{7}}{3.32 \times 10^{-2}} \; m$.
$D \approx 3.84 \times 10^{8} \; m$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

$A$ far-off planet is estimated to be at a distance $D$ from the Earth. If its diametrically opposite extremes subtend an angle $\theta$ at an observatory situated on the Earth,the approximate diameter of the planet is .............

The Sun's angular diameter is measured to be $1920^{\prime \prime}$. The distance $D$ of the Sun from the Earth is $1.496 \times 10^{11} \ m$. What is the diameter of the Sun?

Given below are densities of some solids and liquids. Give rough estimates of the size of their atoms.
Substance Atomic Mass $(u)$ Density $(10^3\,kg\,m^{-3})$
Carbon (diamond) $12.01$ $2.22$
Gold $197.00$ $19.32$
Nitrogen (liquid) $14.01$ $1.00$
Lithium $6.94$ $0.53$
Fluorine (liquid) $19.00$ $1.14$

The angle subtended by a plate of diameter $2 \, cm$ at a distance of $1000 \, cm$ from the eye is ..... (in $^\circ$)

In an experiment,a set of readings are obtained: $1.24 \ mm, 1.25 \ mm, 1.23 \ mm, 1.21 \ mm$. The expected least count of the instrument used in recording these readings is . . . . . . $mm$.

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo