1. What is Vertical Shadow Length?

Vertical shadow length is the length of the shadow cast by a vertical object when illuminated by a light source at a specific elevation angle. This calculation is important in architecture, photography, and solar studies.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the trigonometric formula:

Where:

• \( Height \) — Height of the object in meters
• \( Elevation \) — Angle of elevation of the light source in degrees
• \( Length \) — Resulting shadow length in meters

Explanation: The tangent of the elevation angle represents the ratio of the object's height to its shadow length.

3. Importance of Shadow Length Calculation

Details: Calculating shadow length is crucial for architectural design (to determine building shadows), photography (for lighting setups), and solar panel placement (to avoid shading).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the object height in meters and the light source elevation angle in degrees (must be between 0 and 90). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens at 90° elevation?
A: At exactly 90° (directly overhead), the shadow length approaches zero as tan(90°) approaches infinity.

Q2: Can I use this for horizontal objects?
A: This formula is specifically for vertical objects. Horizontal objects require a different calculation.

Q3: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses meters for length, but you can use any unit as long as you're consistent (the result will be in the same units).

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's mathematically precise for a point light source. Real-world accuracy depends on light source size and atmospheric conditions.

Q5: Can I calculate height from shadow length?
A: Yes, by rearranging the formula: Height = Length × tan(Elevation).