Calculating Collision: How Long Until Two Continents Collide?

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To calculate the time until two continents collide, the distance of 3,000 km must be converted to centimeters, resulting in 300,000,000 cm. Given that tectonic plates move at a rate of 1 cm per year, the time to collision can be calculated using the formula time = distance/speed. This results in a calculation of 300,000,000 years for the continents to collide. The initial calculation of 3 x 10 to the 8th was correct, confirming the time frame for the collision.
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Homework Statement



Typical motions of one plate relative to another are 1 centimeter per year. At this rate, how long would it take for two continents 3,000 km apart to collide?

Which formula would I use? Thanks

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I know that 1 km = 100,000 cm
 
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time = distance / speed
 
t = 3,000 km / speed ?
 
Well I got 3 x 10 to the 8th. Not sure if I got this right...
 
CrossFit415 said:
Well I got 3 x 10 to the 8th. Not sure if I got this right...
correct that figure in years.
 

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