How to convert meters/ seconds to kilometers/ hours and vice versa?
Understanding Speed Units
In physics, speed can be measured in different units, most commonly meters per second (m/s) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Knowing how to convert between these units is essential for understanding various applications in science and everyday life.
Conversion from Meters/Second to Kilometers/Hour
To convert from meters per second to kilometers per hour, use the following steps:
- Multiply by 3.6:
- Since 1 meter is 0.001 kilometers, and there are 3600 seconds in an hour, the conversion factor is 3.6.
- Formula:
- km/h = m/s × 3.6
Example:
- If a speed is given as 10 m/s:
- 10 m/s × 3.6 = 36 km/h
Conversion from Kilometers/Hour to Meters/Second
To convert from kilometers per hour to meters per second, follow these steps:
- Divide by 3.6:
- This reverses the multiplication process used in the first conversion.
- Formula:
- m/s = km/h ÷ 3.6
Example:
- If a speed is given as 72 km/h:
- 72 km/h ÷ 3.6 = 20 m/s
Summary
- To convert m/s to km/h, multiply by 3.6.
- To convert km/h to m/s, divide by 3.6.
Understanding these conversions helps in various fields, including physics, engineering, and everyday travel planning.