How do you convert m/s^2 to km/h?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on converting acceleration from meters per second squared (m/s²) to speed in kilometers per hour (km/h). It clarifies that m/s² is a unit of acceleration, while km/h is a unit of speed, making direct conversion impossible without additional context. A user demonstrates the conversion of an initial velocity of 29 km/h to 8.0556 m/s and calculates the final velocity after accelerating at 3.7 m/s² for 6.3 seconds, ultimately identifying the need to maintain consistent SI units throughout the calculations.

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  • Understanding of SI units, specifically meters per second (m/s) and kilometers per hour (km/h)
  • Basic knowledge of kinematics, particularly the equations of motion
  • Familiarity with unit conversion techniques
  • Ability to perform arithmetic operations involving units
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  • Learn about kinematic equations, specifically Vf = Vi + at
  • Study unit conversion methods between different speed and acceleration units
  • Explore practical applications of acceleration in real-world scenarios
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics, as well as educators teaching unit conversions and motion equations.

Kdawg
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How do you convert m/s^2 to km/h?
 
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At least in the form you asked the question, you can't. m/s2 is a unit for acceleration while km/h is a unit for speed.
 
well you can if you have the delat t of a
 
But if you are trying to convert ms^-1 than its rather easy, there's a couple ways of doing it.
I do it like such
((36km/60)/60)*1000
which is equal to 10ms^-1

there's some really easy way to do it, but this one never fails and it doesn't take that much longer so i just use this one.
 
Oh, that would make sense wouldn't it, lol. I am trying to figure out this problem.
A bus traveling at +29 km/h accelerates at a constant +3.7 m/s2 for 6.3 s. What is its final velocity in km/h?
This is my work so far, what am I doing wrong.
Vi = 29Km/h
a = 3.7m/s^2
t = 6.3s
Vf = ?

Vf = Vi + at
Vf = 29 + 3.7 * 6.3
Vf = 52 - With right sig figs
 
Looks good to me.
 
Thats what I thought but the damn webassign keeps marking it wrong.
 
I can see why from here,
Vf = Vi +at
SI UNITS!
Velocity SI unit is ms^-1
Therefore 29kmh^-1
Needs to be converted to ms^-1
 
What is its final velocity in km/h?
And then convert it back
 
  • #10
You have to remember to convert stuff, i will never forget, i lost 15 marks out of 50 on my last exam from not converting to the SI units
 
  • #11
I converted 29km/h to 8.0556m/s the multiplied 8.0556 + 3.7 * 6.3 = 30.6256
then converted that to 110. That obviously isn't right, what am I doing wrong.
 
  • #12
Bleah. Of course. I wasn't looking at the units.
 
  • #13
Seems right to me... Remember, think of how long 6.3 seconds is when your accelerating in a car. Like when you go onto a freeway, you would really only accelerate for about 3 seconds to get to 100km, from about 50..., so 6 seconds is actually a long time to accelerate for
 
  • #14
Kdawg said:
I converted 29km/h to 8.0556m/s the multiplied 8.0556 + 3.7 * 6.3 = 30.6256
then converted that to 110. That obviously isn't right, what am I doing wrong.


Try evaluating this again I don't seem to get the same answer for 8.05556+(3.7*6.3) as you do.

(and hence the converted figure is different as well)
 
  • #15
KaneOris said:
Seems right to me... Remember, think of how long 6.3 seconds is when your accelerating in a car. Like when you go onto a freeway, you would really only accelerate for about 3 seconds to get to 100km, from about 50..., so 6 seconds is actually a long time to accelerate for

This really depends on how hard you put your foot on the accelerator (or how good your car is!)
 
  • #16
Yes, but you know what i mean, 6.3 seconds is a long time to accelerate, although the sound of it isn't very much, its a pain in the A$$ if you look at your watch and wait for 6 or 7 seconds to pass...
 

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