Skip to main content
Ch.1 - Introduction: Matter, Energy, and Measurement
Chapter 1, Problem 55a

(a) A bumblebee flies with a ground speed of 15.2 m/s. Calculate its speed in km/hr.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the given speed of the bumblebee in meters per second (m/s), which is 15.2 m/s.
Recall the conversion factor between meters per second and kilometers per hour: 1 m/s is equivalent to 3.6 km/hr.
Multiply the given speed in m/s by the conversion factor to convert it to km/hr: \( 15.2 \text{ m/s} \times 3.6 \text{ km/hr per m/s} \).
Perform the multiplication to find the speed in km/hr.
Ensure the units are correctly converted and the final answer is expressed in km/hr.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
3m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is the process of converting a quantity expressed in one set of units to another set of units. In this case, we need to convert the speed of the bumblebee from meters per second (m/s) to kilometers per hour (km/hr). This involves using conversion factors, specifically knowing that 1 km equals 1000 meters and 1 hour equals 3600 seconds.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:56
Conversion Factors

Speed

Speed is a measure of how fast an object is moving, defined as the distance traveled per unit of time. It is a scalar quantity, meaning it has magnitude but no direction. In this problem, the bumblebee's speed is given in m/s, which indicates how many meters it travels in one second.
Recommended video:
Guided course
00:57
Speed of Light Formula

Dimensional Analysis

Dimensional analysis is a mathematical technique used to convert one set of units to another by using conversion factors. It ensures that the units cancel appropriately, leading to the desired unit. In this question, dimensional analysis will help verify that the conversion from m/s to km/hr is done correctly, maintaining the integrity of the speed measurement.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:11
Dimensional Analysis