Velocity Conversion Activity
Objectives
- The students will be able to convert from km/hr to m/s.
- The students will be able to convert from m/s to km/hr.
Materials
- Calculator
- Velocity Data Sheet
Background
To change from km/hr to m/s multiply by (1000m/1km) this will remove kilometers from the value and insert meters in its place. Then multiply by (1hr/3600s) this will remove hours from the value and insert seconds in its place.
Example
Change 72 km/hr to m/s
Multiply by (1000m/1km)*(1hr/3600s)
(72 km/hr ) * (1000m/1km) * (1hr/3600s) = 20 m/s
To change from m/s to km/hr multiply by (1km/1000m) this will remove meters from the value and insert kilometers in its place. Then multiply by (3600s/1hr) this will remove seconds from the value and insert hours in its place.
Example
Change 50 m/s to km/hr
Multiply by (1km/1000m)*(3600s/1hr)
(50 m/s ) * (1km/1000m) * (3600s/1hr) = 180 km/hr
Procedure
Use THIS LINK to get the velocity data sheet. The data sheet has the data for 14 historical planes and their cruising or maximum velocities. If the velocity is blank it is unknown. Note the shuttle's velocity is it's landing velocity.
The English measurement systems values are also included in the chart.
Please send any comments to:
Curator:
Dave Mazza
Responsible Official:
Tom Benson