How do you convert km/h to m/s in measurements?

To convert kilometres per hour (km/h) to metres per second (m/s), you multiply the speed by 5/18.

In physics, it's often necessary to convert between different units of measurement. This is because different units are used in different contexts, and it's important to be able to translate between them. For example, speed can be measured in kilometres per hour (km/h) or metres per second (m/s). These two units are related, but they're not the same.

To convert from km/h to m/s, you need to understand the relationship between kilometres and metres, and between hours and seconds. There are 1,000 metres in a kilometre, and 3,600 seconds in an hour. Therefore, to convert from km/h to m/s, you need to divide by 3.6. This is because there are 3.6 times as many seconds in an hour as there are metres in a kilometre.

However, there's a simpler way to remember this conversion. If you multiply the speed in km/h by 5/18, you'll get the speed in m/s. This is because 5/18 is approximately equal to 1/3.6. So, for example, if a car is travelling at 90 km/h, you can calculate its speed in m/s by multiplying 90 by 5/18, which gives you 25 m/s.

Understanding the SI units used in physics, such as metres and seconds, is fundamental to accurately performing conversions and measurements. Additionally, in physics problems, being able to operate with vectors can further enhance your ability to navigate through various scenarios where speed and velocity are discussed. For instance, when considering motion, it's crucial to differentiate the concepts of speed and velocity, as they offer distinct insights into the nature of movement.

This conversion is useful in many areas of physics. For example, in mechanics, it's often necessary to calculate the speed of an object in m/s in order to use the equations of motion. Similarly, in fluid dynamics, the speed of a fluid is often given in m/s. By understanding how to convert between km/h and m/s, you'll be able to tackle a wide range of problems in physics.

IB Physics Tutor Summary: Converting km/h to m/s is simple: multiply the speed by 5/18. This works because there are 1,000 metres in a kilometre and 3,600 seconds in an hour, making the conversion factor approximately 1/3.6. Remembering this method makes it easier to tackle physics problems involving speeds, such as in mechanics and fluid dynamics, by ensuring measurements are in the correct units.