Convert 9.80 m/s2 to feet per second squared (ft/s2).
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
To convert 9.80 m/s² to ft/s²:1 meter=3.28084 feet1\ \text{meter} = 3.28084\ \text{feet}1 meter=3.28084 feet9.80 m/s2×3.28084 ft/m=32.1522 ft/s29.80\ \text{m/s}^2 \times 3.28084\ \text{ft/m} = 32.1522\ \text{ft/s}^29.80 m/s2×3.28084 ft/m=32.1522 ft/s2
So, 9.80 m/s² is approximately 32.15 ft/s².
300-Word Explanation:
In physics, acceleration is often expressed in meters per second squared (m/s²) in the metric system. However, in some contexts such as engineering or in countries that use the imperial system, acceleration may be expressed in feet per second squared (ft/s²). To convert units properly, we must use the relationship between meters and feet.
We begin with the known conversion factor:
1 meter is equal to approximately 3.28084 feet. This means that every meter of distance can be thought of as about 3.28084 feet. Since acceleration involves both distance and time squared, converting from meters to feet affects only the distance portion of the unit. The time part, in seconds squared, stays unchanged.
To convert 9.80 m/s² to ft/s², we multiply by the number of feet in a meter:9.80 m/s2×3.28084 ft/m=32.1522 ft/s29.80\ \text{m/s}^2 \times 3.28084\ \text{ft/m} = 32.1522\ \text{ft/s}^29.80 m/s2×3.28084 ft/m=32.1522 ft/s2
This shows that an object accelerating at 9.80 meters per second squared is accelerating at about 32.15 feet per second squared. This value is significant because it is the approximate acceleration due to gravity on Earth. In practical terms, if an object were in free fall, it would increase its speed by 32.15 ft/s every second, ignoring air resistance.
This type of unit conversion is useful in solving physics problems across different measurement systems. It ensures consistency in calculations and allows one to apply formulas regardless of the unit system used, as long as all units are compatible.
