RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Diameter of the Earth

Method 1

Write a proposal for a simple experiment to determine the diameter of the Earth by measuring the zenith angle of stars at Chiang Rai and Bangkok.

• Define the objective of the experiment
• Give an outline of the theory needed.
• Describe how the necessary observations should be made, including the details of any apparatus or instruments to be used.
• Estimate the expected accuracy of the measurements and the accuracy of the diameter of the Earth calculated from the measurements.

Method 2

Write a proposal for a simple experiment to determine the diameter of the Earth by measuring the difference in time of sunset over the sea observed from the bottom and top of a tall building with height 100 meters.

• Define the objective of the experiment.
• Give an outline of the theory needed.
• Describe how the necessary observations should be made, including the details of any apparatus or instruments to be used.
• Estimate the expected accuracy of the measurements and the accuracy of diameter of the Earth calculated from the measurements.

By R. H. B. Exell, 2001. King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi.