War Machines of Tomorrow
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Student Handout |
The Third Side
Some systems of locating and striking military targets use a geometric process known as triangulation, which is based on the Pythagorean theorem, A2+ B2 = C2. The length of the longest side of a right triangle is always C. You can conduct your own experiment in triangulation by setting up model satellites on the ceiling and aiming at selected targets inside the classroom.
Procedure
With your group, measure the length of your string and use masking tape to mark each 10-centimeter (approximately 4 inches) section of the string. Attach the string to the ceiling with masking tape. Label the tape with a name to indicate which satellite it represents. Use masking tape to indicate a target underneath your satellite. Label the target with a number. Plot a course for your target. Find a starting point that is at least 2 meters (approximately 2 yards) away from the target. Mark your starting point with masking tape. Write your initials on the tape. To aim at your target, first measure the distance between the target and your starting point. Second, pull the free end of the satellite string to the starting point and measure the distance between the ceiling and the starting point. Record both measurements on paper. Determine which side of the triangle is the longest and label it side C. Draw a diagram on graph paper to help you with your observations. Calculate the length of the missing side of the triangle by using the Pythagorean theorem, A2+ B2 = C2. Think of ways in which your targeting system differs from a "smart bomb" that uses a real satellite to calculate its position.
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