How Is Altitude Calculated From Earth's Radius and Satellite Distance?

In summary, altitude affects the Earth's radius, air pressure, temperature, and gravitational pull. As altitude increases, the distance between the Earth's surface and its center decreases, resulting in a decrease in radius. Air pressure also decreases at higher altitudes due to the lower density of air molecules. The temperature generally decreases with altitude due to less sunlight absorption and reflection. Finally, altitude has a small effect on the Earth's gravitational pull, with a slight decrease in pull as altitude increases.
  • #1
aeromat
114
0
The Problem:
Why is it that r = rrE + h?

r = distance from Earth's centre to satellite
rrE = Earth's radius
h = altitude

Why is it that you find altitude by subtracting Earth's radius from radius? How does that make sense..
 
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  • #2
aeromat said:
The Problem:
Why is it that r = rrE + h?

r = distance from Earth's centre to satellite
rrE = Earth's radius
h = altitude

Why is it that you find altitude by subtracting Earth's radius from radius? How does that make sense..

What is your definition of altitude?
 

FAQ: How Is Altitude Calculated From Earth's Radius and Satellite Distance?

How does altitude affect the Earth's radius?

Altitude is a measure of the distance above sea level. As altitude increases, the distance between the Earth's surface and its center decreases. This is because the Earth is not a perfect sphere, but rather an oblate spheroid, meaning it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. Therefore, the radius at the equator is slightly larger than the radius at the poles.

Does the Earth's radius change at different altitudes?

Yes, the Earth's radius does change at different altitudes. As mentioned before, the radius at the equator is slightly larger than at the poles. Additionally, the radius decreases as altitude increases due to the Earth's gravitational pull. This means that the radius at the top of Mount Everest is slightly smaller than at sea level.

How does altitude affect air pressure?

As altitude increases, the air pressure decreases. This is because there is less air above you pressing down on your body. At higher altitudes, the air molecules are more spread out, making the air less dense. This also means that the air contains less oxygen, making it more difficult to breathe.

What is the relationship between altitude and temperature?

The relationship between altitude and temperature is complex and can vary depending on the location and time of year. In general, as altitude increases, the temperature decreases. This is because the Earth's atmosphere absorbs and reflects less sunlight at higher altitudes, resulting in cooler temperatures. However, this trend may not be consistent in all areas, as weather patterns and other factors can also affect temperature.

How does altitude affect the Earth's gravitational pull?

Altitude does affect the Earth's gravitational pull, but only to a very small degree. As altitude increases, the distance between an object and the Earth's center increases, causing a slight decrease in gravitational pull. However, this change is so small that it is not noticeable to humans. The Earth's gravitational pull is strongest at sea level and decreases very slightly as altitude increases.

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