During tourist trips, we often have the opportunity to observe magnificent architectural structures. One view of an old Gothic cathedral can bring a tourist to the sacred awe. And if it turns out to find out what the height of such a structure is, then the impression will surely become even more vivid. Is it possible to determine the height of the same cathedral without resorting to difficult measurements?
It is necessary
- - cane (umbrella, stick);
- - pole;
- - pocket mirror;
- - paper and pencil.
Instructions
Step 1
On a sunny day, it will not be difficult to determine the height of the structure. To do this, it is enough to see the shadow of the cathedral. Also prepare a small object with a height known to you (it can be an umbrella, cane or ordinary stick). Be guided by the following rule: the height of the measured structure is as many times the height of the object at hand, how many times the shadow from the structure is greater than the length of the shadow from this object (stick, umbrella, and so on).
Step 2
Place the stick vertically. Measure the length of the shadow it casts. Now measure in steps the length of the shadow cast by the building whose height you want to determine. Convert your known stride length into meters (the stride of a person of average height is about 70 cm). Make a simple proportion, in which the unknown quantity you are looking for will be the height of the cathedral. Such calculations can be easily done with a sheet of paper and a pencil.
Step 3
If you are unlucky with the weather, that is, there is no shadow, use another method for determining the height of the building. You will need a pole that is the same length as your height. Place the pole at such a distance from the building being measured that you can squat down and see the top of the cathedral in a straight line with the point of the pole. With this method of observation, the height of the cathedral will be approximately equal to the length of the line drawn from the point of your standing to the base of the architectural structure.
Step 4
In rainy weather, an ordinary puddle will help you determine the height of the building. Stand so that it is between you and the structure being measured. Find the point from which the top of the cathedral will be visible. The height of the building will be as many times your height as the distance from the building to the puddle is greater than the distance from the puddle to you. If there is no suitable puddle, use a regular pocket mirror instead.
