Calculating the Average Speed of a Car: From Km/h to M/s

When dealing with speed and distance, it's important to be able to convert between different units to ensure accurate calculations. This article delves into the specifics of converting average speed from kilometers per hour (km/h) to meters per second (m/s), using a typical example. We'll explore step-by-step how to solve a given problem: To cover a distance of 216 km in 3.2 hours, what should be the average speed of the car in meters/second?

Understanding the Problem

The problem involves finding the average speed of a car that travels 216 kilometers (km) in 3.2 hours. The goal is to express this speed in meters per second (m/s). Understanding the basic units involved is crucial.

Kilometers and Meters

Kilometers (km) and meters (m) are both units of length within the metric system. There are 1000 meters in 1 kilometer.

Hours and Seconds

Hours (hr) and seconds (sec) are time units. There are 3600 seconds in 1 hour.

Step-by-Step Solution

To find the average speed in m/s, we'll follow these steps:

Convert the distance from kilometers to meters:
216 km 216,000 meters (m) Convert the time from hours to seconds:
3.2 hours 3.2 x 3600 seconds 11,520 seconds Calculate the average speed in m/s:
Average speed total distance / total time 216,000 m / 11,520 s 18.75 m/s

Therefore, the average speed of the car is 18.75 m/s.

Related Examples and Practice

Solving similar problems can help you grasp the concept more effectively. Here's a related example:

Example: A car travels 180 kilometers in 3 hours. What is the average speed in meters per second (m/s)?

Solution for 180 km in 3 hours

Step 1: Convert 180 km to meters:

180 km 180,000 meters (m)

Step 2: Convert 3 hours to seconds:

3 hours 3 x 3600 seconds 10,800 seconds

Step 3: Calculate the average speed in m/s:

Average speed total distance / total time 180,000 m / 10,800 s 16.67 m/s

Thus, the average speed is 16.67 m/s.

Why Understanding These Conversions is Vital

Knowing how to convert between different units of speed is essential in various fields such as physics, engineering, and transportation. Proper unit conversion ensures accurate measurements and calculations, particularly when working with different scales and applications.

Conclusion

Mastering the conversion from km/h to m/s is a fundamental skill for any student of physics or engineering. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily convert the average speed of a car from one unit to another. Remember, accuracy in unit conversion is crucial for solving more complex problems in the future.