An aircraft circumnavigates the earth 10 km above the earth’s surface. If it completes one full
circle, the distance covered will be ______ greater than the circumference of the earth. (Assume
earth radius is 3280 km, and 𝜋 = 3.14)
A. 62.8 km,
B. 628 km,
C. 6280 km,
D. 12560 km,

Understanding the Extra Distance Covered by an Aircraft Circumnavigating the Earth

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how much farther an aircraft flies when circumnavigating the Earth at an altitude of 10 km? While the Earth’s circumference is a well-known value, flying at a higher altitude adds extra distance. Let’s break it down with a simple calculation.

Key Factors in the Calculation

Before we determine the extra distance, let’s consider some important values:

• Radius of the Earth (R): 3280 km
• Altitude of the Aircraft (h): 10 km
• 𝜋 (Pi): 3.14

The circumference of a circle is calculated as:    2ΠR

For an aircraft flying at 10 km altitude, the new radius becomes: R= 3280 +10 = 3290

Calculating the Extra Distance

Now, let’s compute the two circumferences:

1. Earth’s Circumference:    C earth = 2ΠR= 20611.2
2. Aircraft’s Circumference at 10 km altitude:    C aircraft = 2ΠR = 20674.6

The extra distance covered by the aircraft is:

C aircraft  – C earth = 20674.6 -20611.2 = 62.8 km

Conclusion

So, an aircraft flying 10 km above the Earth’s surface covers an extra 62.8 km compared to the Earth’s circumference. The correct answer is Option A: 62.8 km.

Understanding such calculations can help in aviation planning, geophysics, and even space exploration. Stay tuned for more fascinating insights!

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