Convert a speed of 73.5 km/hr to its equivalent in m/s.
The correct answer and explanation is :
To convert a speed of 73.5 km/h to meters per second (m/s), we use the conversion factor: 1 km/h=1000 m3600 s=518 m/s1 \text{ km/h} = \frac{1000 \text{ m}}{3600 \text{ s}} = \frac{5}{18} \text{ m/s}
Now, multiplying 73.5 km/h by 5/18: 73.5×518=73.5×518=367.518=20.42 m/s73.5 \times \frac{5}{18} = \frac{73.5 \times 5}{18} = \frac{367.5}{18} = 20.42 \text{ m/s}
Explanation:
Speed is the measure of how fast an object moves and is often given in different units like kilometers per hour (km/h) or meters per second (m/s). In physics, m/s is a more commonly used unit because it directly relates to the SI (International System of Units) for length (meters) and time (seconds).
When converting from km/h to m/s, we need to break it down:
- 1 km = 1000 meters, since “kilo” means 1000.
- 1 hour = 3600 seconds, as there are 60 minutes per hour and 60 seconds per minute.
So, dividing 1000 meters by 3600 seconds, we get: 1 km/h=10003600=518 m/s1 \text{ km/h} = \frac{1000}{3600} = \frac{5}{18} \text{ m/s}
Using this factor, any speed in km/h can be converted by multiplying by 5/18.
Importance:
- This conversion is useful in physics problems, car speed analysis, sports, and aviation.
- It allows comparison of different speeds in a standard unit.
