Homework Assignment #1
This assignment is due at the beginning of class on Monday, January 27. Late homework will not be accepted.
Homework should be written on paper. Please copy the problem statement onto the page above your solution. Remember to put your name at the top of the page. If you require more than one page, multiple pages must be stapled together. The homework will be returned once it has been graded in the boxes on the ninth floor of the Physics building, opposite the elevator.
Problems involve either a calculation, or a short answer. Where a calculation is called for, show your work. Where a short answer is called for, a few sentences is sufficient. In either case, draw diagrams if that helps you explain your answer.
In the northern hemisphere, June 21 is the longest day of the year and December 21 is the shortest day of the year. How long is the day (in hours) at the equator on June 21? Can you identify the shortest day in the year on the equator?
There are a range of laitudes where, on at least one day of the year, the Sun will pass directly overhead (i.e. at the Zenith). Which latitudes of the Earth meet this condition? Does this happen in Nashville?
Question 2 in Chapter Two of the text.
Question 4 in Chapter Two of the text.
Question 6 in Chapter Two of the text.
Question 13 in Chapter Two of the text, only answer the question for Nashville, TN (latitude=36 degrees). Note that "altitude" means "angle above the horizon".