I need help with a conversion question. How do I ” Convert 30 MPH to meters/ second”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Convert 30 MPH to meters/second
To convert 30 miles per hour (MPH) to meters per second (m/s), we follow a step-by-step method using unit conversion factors. Here’s the correct conversion:
Step-by-Step Conversion:
1 mile = 1609.34 meters
1 hour = 3600 seconds
So, to convert 30 miles per hour to meters per second:30 miles/hour×1609.34 meters1 mile×1 hour3600 seconds30 \, \text{miles/hour} \times \frac{1609.34 \, \text{meters}}{1 \, \text{mile}} \times \frac{1 \, \text{hour}}{3600 \, \text{seconds}}30miles/hour×1mile1609.34meters×3600seconds1hour=30×1609.343600 meters/second= \frac{30 \times 1609.34}{3600} \, \text{meters/second}=360030×1609.34meters/second=48280.23600 m/s= \frac{48280.2}{3600} \, \text{m/s}=360048280.2m/s≈13.41 m/s\approx 13.41 \, \text{m/s}≈13.41m/s
Final Answer:
30 MPH≈13.41 m/s\boxed{30 \, \text{MPH} \approx 13.41 \, \text{m/s}}30MPH≈13.41m/s
Explanation (like in textbooks):
Speed is the measure of how fast an object is moving. It is often given in different units depending on the context or region. In the United States, miles per hour (MPH) is a common unit for vehicle speed. However, in scientific contexts and most other parts of the world, the metric system is used, where speed is often expressed in meters per second (m/s).
To convert between these systems, we use known equivalences between the units. One mile is equal to approximately 1609.34 meters, and one hour is equal to 3600 seconds. By multiplying by these conversion factors, we change the units without changing the actual quantity.
This conversion is useful in physics, engineering, and international travel, where consistent and standard units are necessary for calculations and comparisons. For instance, if a car is traveling at 30 MPH and we want to analyze its motion using physics formulas, we convert the speed to meters per second to be compatible with SI units. Thus, 30 MPH equals approximately 13.41 m/s.
