Question

The speed limit in Canada is \(100 \mathrm{~km} / \mathrm{h}\). (a) How many miles per hour is this? (b) How many meters per second?

Short answer

(a) 62.14 mph (b) 27.78 m/s

Step-by-step solution

Convert kilometers per hour to miles per hour

To convert kilometers per hour to miles per hour, use the conversion factor 1 kilometer is approximately 0.621371 miles. Multiply 100 km/h by this factor: \[ 100 \text{ km/h} \times 0.621371 = 62.1371 \text{ mph} \] Therefore, 100 km/h is approximately 62.14 mph. Round the answer to two decimal places.

Convert kilometers per hour to meters per second

To convert kilometers per hour to meters per second, use the conversion factor that 1 kilometer is 1000 meters and 1 hour is 3600 seconds. Divide the speed by 3.6 to perform this conversion: \[ 100 \text{ km/h} \div 3.6 = 27.7778 \text{ m/s} \] Thus, 100 km/h is approximately 27.78 m/s. Round the answer to two decimal places.

Key concepts

kilometers per hour

Kilometers per hour (km/h) is a unit of speed commonly used in many countries around the world. It indicates how many kilometers an object travels in one hour. Imagine driving a car and seeing a speed limit sign of 100 km/h. This means that if you maintain that speed, you will cover 100 kilometers of distance in one hour. This unit is widely used in road signs and vehicle speedometers in countries that use the metric system. Here’s why it’s useful:

• Widely Used: Many countries adopt km/h, including Canada, since it aligns with the metric system.
• Intuitive: Easily relates distance (kilometers) with time (hour).

Understanding km/h is crucial when comparing it to other units of speed such as mph or m/s. Conversion between these units is essential for comprehending speed in different contexts.

miles per hour

Miles per hour (mph) is another common unit of speed, especially in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. It defines how many miles an object can travel in one hour. To convert kilometers per hour to miles per hour, you multiply by the conversion factor 0.621371, which is the number of miles in a kilometer. This conversion is necessary when you need to understand speed limits or velocity in countries using the imperial system. For example, 100 km/h converted to mph involves:

• Multiplying 100 by 0.621371
• This equals approximately 62.14 mph

Understanding mph is important when traveling or communicating about speed in those parts of the world using the imperial measurement system. Always remember this simple conversion factor for an easy transition between metric and imperial units.

meters per second

Meters per second (m/s) is a unit of speed that expresses how many meters an object travels in one second. It is part of the metric system, often used in scientific contexts or when precise measurement of speed is needed. To convert from kilometers per hour to meters per second, you need to know:

• 1 kilometer equals 1000 meters
• 1 hour equals 3600 seconds

Therefore, to go from km/h to m/s, divide the km/h value by 3.6. For instance, converting 100 km/h:

• 100 divided by 3.6 results in approximately 27.78 m/s

This conversion is essential for activities requiring precise speed analysis, such as physics experiments or competitive sports timing. Knowing this method allows for easy transitions between units of speed within the metric system.