Question: When satellites observe Earth, they can scan only part of Earths surface. Some satellites have sensors that can measure the angle shown in the figure.

When satellites observe Earth, they can scan only part of Earth’s surface. Some satellites have sensors that can measure the angle shown in the figure. Let h represent the satellite’s distance from Earth’s surface, and let r represent Earth’s radius.

h B

(a) Show that h = r(csc − 1).

(b) Find the rate at which h is changing with respect to when = 30°. (Assume r = 4000 miles.)

h B

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We can use the right triangle formed by the satellite the point on Earths surface below it and the center of the Earth Let x be the distance from the ... View full answer

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