Converting Speed Units: From Kilometers Per Hour to Meters Per Second

Understanding the relationship between different units of speed is fundamental in both basic physics and everyday application. This article will guide you through the process of converting speed from kilometers per hour (km/h) to meters per second (m/s). Using practical examples, we'll explore various methods to ensure accurate conversions.

Conversion Factor

The key to converting between km/h and m/s lies in the conversion factor. One kilometer per hour (km/h) is equivalent to 0.27778 meters per second (m/s). This conversion factor can be derived from the base units:

1 km/h 1000 meters / 3600 seconds ≈ 0.27778 m/s

Converting 75 km/h to m/s

Let's convert 75 kilometers per hour to meters per second using the conversion factor:

75 km/h × 0.27778 m/s per km/h ≈ 20.8335 m/s

Therefore, a car traveling at 75 kilometers per hour would travel approximately 20.83 meters per second.

Setting Up a Proportion

A more illustrative way to understand this conversion is by setting up a proportion. Using the given ratios:

90 km/h : 25 m/s 75 km/h : X m/s

Let's solve it step-by-step:

90 / 25 75 / X

90 X 25 × 75 (Cross multiplying)

X (25 × 75) / 90 (Divide both sides by 90)

X ≈ 20.83 m/s

This confirms the earlier calculation, showing that a car traveling at 75 kilometers per hour would travel approximately 20.83 meters per second.

Direct Calculation Method

For those who prefer a direct calculation approach, here's a straightforward way to derive the speed in meters per second:

90 kilometers is 90000 meters. Therefore:

90000 meters / 3600 seconds 25 m/s

75 kilometers is 75000 meters. Therefore:

75000 meters / 3600 seconds 20.8333333 m/s

This shows that 75 kilometers per hour is approximately 20.83 meters per second.

Using these methods, you can easily convert any speed from kilometers per hour to meters per second, ensuring accuracy in your calculations.