What is mean diameter?

Answer 1

I suppose it would depend on which object you are discussing as to what the major, minor and interim diameters are.

In an elliptical orbit with a variable apogee (greatest distance from point of orbit)or variable plane (on which the satellite) orbits the major diameter would be where the orbit reaches its greatest distance from the gravity well and the minor diameter where it is closest to the gravity well. This center of gravity may or may not be near the center of the orbit (such as with comets), such that the actual diameter of the orbit may be as much as, or nearly so, 1/2 the major diameter. In a non-planar or variable plane orbit the effect of the gravitational field (or multiple gravity wells) may vary with the change in plane thus creating multiple orbits of various different diameters, the greatest being the major diameter. Such that, a circle drawn from the center of gravity with a radius described by the apogee of the satellite will scribe the major diameter.

If talking about an ellipse on a flat plane, the major diameter is the most distant point from the center scribing a circle around the center, or twice the major radius from the center to the apogee.

If talking about a spheroidal shape (such as the Earth) the major diameter is the plane at which the greatest diameter occurs. As in the Earth this plane is the equator.

Answer 2

Diameter means the measurement of all the way across the center of the circle.

Answer 3

its what size the planet is or how big it is

- Marie <3

Answer 4

How big around the center