Parallax Method and Angle Relationships

Sahana Gurukarni explains the parallax method, a technique used to measure large distances, such as the distance from Earth to the Moon. The method involves observing an object from two different positions to determine its apparent change in position. By creating imaginary parallax lines and calculating angles, the distance can be determined. The video demonstrates the calculation process, resulting in the distance from Earth to the Moon being approximately 3.83 x 10^8 meters.

What is the primary use of the parallax method?

• To measure very large distances, such as between planets and stars

• To calculate the mass of celestial bodies

• To determine the speed of light

• To measure small distances on Earth

In the setup for measuring the distance to the Moon, what do points A and B represent?

• The center of the Earth

• The location of two stars

• The position of the Moon

• Two diametrically opposite points on the Earth's surface

Why is it difficult to measure the parallax angle directly from Earth?

• Because the angle is too small

• Because the angle is too large

• Because the Moon is too close to Earth

• Because the Earth is rotating

What is the purpose of creating imaginary parallax lines?

• To make the parallax angle larger and easier to measure

• To determine the exact position of the Moon

• To simplify the calculation of the Earth's radius

• To calculate the speed of the Moon

How is the angle theta calculated in the parallax method?

• By dividing the distance between Earth and the Moon by the Earth's radius

• By dividing the distance between points A and B by the distance AM

• By multiplying the distance between Earth and the Moon by the Earth's radius

• By adding the distances AM and MC

What is the significance of the angle theta in the parallax method?

• It represents the distance between Earth and the Moon

• It is used to calculate the speed of the Moon

• It is the angle formed by the imaginary parallax lines

• It is the angle between the Earth and the Sun

What is the relationship between the exterior and interior angles in the parallax method?

• The sum of exterior angles is equal to the sum of interior angles

• The interior angles are always larger than the exterior angles

• The sum of exterior angles is equal to the interior angle

• The exterior angles are always larger than the interior angles

What is the role of the imaginary parallax line from point B?

• To measure the distance between Earth and the Sun

• To create an angle theta 2 with a nearby star

• To determine the speed of the Moon

• To calculate the Earth's radius

What is the approximate value of the Earth's radius used in the calculation?

• 7.5 x 10^7 meters

• 1.5 x 10^11 meters

• 6.4 x 10^6 meters

• 3.8 x 10^8 meters

What is the final calculated distance from Earth to the Moon using the parallax method?

• 1.5 x 10^11 meters

• 6.4 x 10^6 meters

• 3.83 x 10^8 meters

• 7.5 x 10^7 meters