Question

Global positioning satellites (GPS) can be used to determine positions w/great accuracy . The system works by determining the distance between the observer and each of several satellites orbiting earth . If one of the satellite is at a distance of 20000 km from you . What percent accuracy in the distance is required if we desire a 2 meter uncertainty ? How many significant figures do we need to have in the distance ?

Answer 1

Answer:

uncertainity = 0.0000001%

the no of significant figures need to have is eight

Explanation:

given data:

satellite distance from earth = 20000 k  = 20,000,000 m

we know that percntage of uncertainity of 2m can be calculated as $uncertainity =\frac{2m}{20,000,000} = 1*10^{-7}%$

uncertainity = 0.0000001%

the range of satellite from your location from km to m is

(20,000,000m -2m) to (20,000,000m + 2m)  = 19999998 m  +20,000,002 m)

the no of significant figures need to have is eight