Sun shade on Earth ground, is it a straight line or a curved line?

In summary, the shape of a sun shade on the Earth's ground is influenced by the angle of sunlight and the curvature of the Earth. When sunlight hits the shade at a specific angle, the resulting shadow can appear as a straight line or a curved line depending on the terrain and the position of the sun. In flat areas, shadows are generally straight, while in uneven or sloped terrains, shadows may exhibit curvature.
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Hi, I wonder if the shade from the sun on the ground, on a sunny day, is it a straight line or a curved line?? and if it is curved, how curvature can be calculated ?? Let´s say I have a pole or building, and I can follow up the shade of its top on the ground. I can make marks every 5 minutes or so. . Would that make a straight line, or a curve line ?? Thanks !

[Hi , I am an Electrical Engineer who has been teaching High School Physics for a while here in Santiago of Chile. I started with the Cambridge-IGCSE curriculum, and then I moved to the local curriculum. My interests are waves, ultrasound, near-infrared, electrical power systems, relies, universe and comets! Following Pons Brooks (perihelium April 21st 2024, nice shot here from Southern Hemisphere!), Tsuchinshan, ... others ! ]
 

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Welcome to PF. :smile:

applied-physics said:
Hi, I wonder if the shade from the sun on the ground, on a sunny day, is it a straight line or a curved line?? and if it is curved, how curvature can be calculated ?? Let´s say I have a pole or building, and I can follow up the shade of its top on the ground. I can make marks every 5 minutes or so. . Would that make a straight line, or a curve line ??
What are your thoughts so far? Do you have any ideas how you could sketch the situation to try to figure this out? It likely depends on your latitude and the day of the year, right?
 
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Your pole is an enormous sundial, is it not?
 
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ooops, .. that is right ... that used to be a science fair project ... indeed a pole can be a sundial, right. I could make a clock. And the angle then will depend upon latitude. 33 south is mine here in Santiago. Many many thanks.
 
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FAQ: Sun shade on Earth ground, is it a straight line or a curved line?

1. Is the shadow cast by a sunshade on the ground a straight line or a curved line?

The shadow cast by a sunshade on the ground is typically a straight line when the sun is at a low angle. However, as the sun moves higher in the sky, the shadow can appear to curve due to the varying angle of sunlight and the surface contour of the ground.

2. How does the angle of the sun affect the shape of the shadow?

The angle of the sun significantly affects the shape of the shadow. When the sun is low on the horizon, shadows are long and can appear straight. As the sun rises higher, shadows become shorter and can appear more distorted or curved, especially on uneven surfaces.

3. Does the curvature of the Earth influence the shape of shadows?

While the curvature of the Earth does not significantly affect the shape of shadows at a local level, it can have an impact on larger scales, such as when considering the shadows cast by tall structures over long distances. However, for most practical purposes, shadows are considered straight lines on flat surfaces.

4. Can the surface of the ground affect the shadow's shape?

Yes, the surface of the ground can greatly affect the shape of the shadow. Irregularities in the terrain, such as hills, dips, or objects on the ground, can cause shadows to bend or break, making them appear curved or distorted.

5. How can I measure the shape of a shadow accurately?

To measure the shape of a shadow accurately, you can use a straight edge or a measuring tape to trace the outline of the shadow on the ground. Additionally, using a protractor or angle measuring tool can help determine the angles at which the sun is casting the shadow, providing insight into its curvature.

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