Sketching the Dependence of l versus h on Cartesian Axes
The distance l from a point at a height h above the Earth's surface to the horizon can be approximated using Pythagoras theorem by the expression:
l = h * SQRT(1 + (2*re/h)) , where re is the radius of the Earth.
(a) Sketch the dependence of l versus h on Cartesian axes.
(b) Thus determine approximations for l by taking limits associated with the view expected by:
(i) an astronaut in space;
(ii) a person on a beach.