A GPS signal travel time from the receiver to the satellite is 67 milliseconds. Using a speed of light in the atmosphere of 186,000 miles per second, what is the approximate distance?

A GPS signal travel time from the receiver to the satellite is 67 milliseconds. Using a speed of light in the atmosphere of 186,000 miles per second, what is the approximate distance?

• A. 11,820 miles
• B. 13,200 miles
• C. 12,462 miles
• D. 12,000 miles

Answer: (C)

Distance is found by multiplying speed by time. The signal travels for 67 milliseconds, which is 0.067 seconds. With a speed in the atmosphere of 186,000 miles per second, the distance is 186,000 × 0.067 ≈ 12,462 miles. This is the one-way distance from the receiver to the satellite, so the approximate distance is 12,462 miles.

Distance is found by multiplying speed by time. The signal travels for 67 milliseconds, which is 0.067 seconds. With a speed in the atmosphere of 186,000 miles per second, the distance is 186,000 × 0.067 ≈ 12,462 miles. This is the one-way distance from the receiver to the satellite, so the approximate distance is 12,462 miles.