Question

The average radius of Mars is 3,397 km. If Mars completes one rotation in 24.6 hours, what is the tangential speed of objects on the planet’s surface? Round your answer to the nearest whole number.

Answer 1

Answer:

25 times the average speed

Answer 2

Answer:

Tangential speed of objects on the planet’s surface = 241 m/s

Explanation:

Speed is given by the ratio of distance traveled to the time.

Radius of mars, r = 3397 km = 3.397 x 10⁶ m

Distance traveled = 2πr = 2 x π x 3.397 x 10⁶ = 2.13 x 10⁷ m

Time taken = 24.6 hours = 24.6 x 60 x 60 = 88560 s

$\texttt{Tangential speed =}\frac{2.13\times 10^7}{88560}=240.51m/s$

Tangential speed of objects on the planet’s surface = 240.51 m/s = 241 m/s