Convert Earth's Polar Radius (R⊕ (p)) to Electron Radius (re) instantly.
About these units
Earth's Polar Radius (R⊕ (p))
The Earth's polar radius is approximately 6,356.8 km, slightly shorter than the equatorial radius due to the Earth's flattening at the poles. This measurement is critical in modeling Earth's shape, gravity field, and rotation. It impacts satellite orbits, geodetic surveys, and global positioning systems (GPS). The difference between the equatorial and polar radii also explains phenomena such as centrifugal force variations, equatorial bulges, and sea level differences across latitudes. Understanding R⊕ (p) is essential for precision navigation, Earth science, and astronomy.
Electron Radius (re)
The classical electron radius, approximately 2.818 × 10⁻¹⁵ meters, is a theoretical value derived from classical electromagnetic theory rather than an actual measured size. It represents the radius a charged sphere would need to have in order for its electrostatic self-energy to equal the electron's rest energy. Although electrons are now understood to be point-like or extremely small compared to this radius, the classical electron radius remains useful in scattering theory, especially in calculations involving Thomson scattering — the elastic scattering of electromagnetic radiation by free electrons. Thus, while not a physical dimension of the electron, the classical radius serves as a meaningful parameter in specific areas of physics and retains importance in radiation modeling and plasma physics.