Available online
Description
The need often arises in science to measure angles and to use that measurement to calculate the length of circular arcs or distances and lengths in triangles. The programme looks at how these techn...iques can be applied to measure the height of a tree. But it begins with Allan Solomon defining angles measured in radians by looking at the movement of a horse at the end of a lunge rein of different lengths. From this we derive the definition: angle (measured in radians) = arc length. Students are also reminded that angles can be measured in degrees, 360 degrees making a complete circle. In order to establish the height of a tree we need trigonometric ratios, and in particular the 'tan' ratio = opposite side over base in a triangle. Mike Pentz uses a large protractor to measure the angle from the ground to the top of the tree and then applies the tan ratio to find its height.
The need often arises in science to measure angles and to use that measurement to calculate the length of circular arcs or distances and lengths in triangles. The programme looks at how these techn...iques can be applied to measure the height of a tree. But it begins with Allan Solomon defining angles measured in radians by looking at the movement of a horse at the end of a lunge rein of different lengths. From this we derive the definition: angle (measured in radians) = arc length. Students are also reminded that angles can be measured in degrees, 360 degrees making a complete circle. In order to establish the height of a tree we need trigonometric ratios, and in particular the 'tan' ratio = opposite side over base in a triangle. Mike Pentz uses a large protractor to measure the angle from the ground to the top of the tree and then applies the tan ratio to find its height.
| Module code and title: | S101, Science: a foundation course |
|---|---|
| Item code: | S101; MAFS4 |
| First transmission date: | 10-12-1978 |
| Published: | 1978 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:15:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Jean Nunn |
| Contributors: | Mike Pentz; Allan I.,1936-2013 Solomon |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Arc length; Circumference; MAFS; Radian; Radius; Tangent |
| Subject terms: | Circle; Ratio and proportion; Trigonometry |
| Master spool number: | DOU3027 |
| Production number: | FOUS036N |
| Videofinder number: | 920 |
| Available to public: | no |
