Ch.1 - Introduction: Matter, Energy, and Measurement

Problem 77d

Chapter 1, Problem 77d

The distance from Earth to the Moon is approximately 240,000 mi. (d) Earth travels around the Sun at an average speed of 29.783 km/s. Convert this speed to miles per hour.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the given speed of Earth around the Sun: 29.783 km/s.

Convert kilometers to miles using the conversion factor: 1 km = 0.621371 miles.

Convert seconds to hours using the conversion factor: 1 hour = 3600 seconds.

Multiply the speed in km/s by the conversion factor to get the speed in miles per second.

Multiply the speed in miles per second by the conversion factor to get the speed in miles per hour.

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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. In this case, we need to convert the speed of Earth from kilometers per second (km/s) to miles per hour (mph). This involves using conversion factors, such as knowing that 1 kilometer is approximately 0.621371 miles and that there are 3600 seconds in an hour.

Speed and Velocity

Speed is a scalar quantity that represents the rate of distance traveled over time, while velocity is a vector quantity that includes both speed and direction. In this question, we are focusing on the speed of Earth as it orbits the Sun, which is essential for understanding how fast it moves through space, regardless of its direction.

Dimensional Analysis

Dimensional analysis is a mathematical technique used to convert units and check the consistency of equations. It involves analyzing the dimensions of the quantities involved and ensuring that the units cancel appropriately. This method is particularly useful in physics and chemistry for verifying that calculations yield results in the desired units.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

The distance from Earth to the Moon is approximately 240,000 mi. (a) What is this distance in meters?

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Textbook Question

The distance from Earth to the Moon is approximately 240,000 mi. (b) The peregrine falcon has been measured as traveling up to 350 km/ hr in a dive. If this falcon could fly to the Moon at this speed, how many seconds would it take?

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Textbook Question

The distance from Earth to the Moon is approximately 240,000 mi. (c) The speed of light is 3.00 ⨉ 10⁸ m/s. How long does it take for light to travel from Earth to the Moon and back again?

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Textbook Question

Which of the following would you characterize as a pure or nearly pure substance?

a. baking powder

b. lemon juice

c. propane gas, used in outdoor gas grills

d. aluminum foil

e. ibuprofen

f. bourbon whiskey

g. helium gas

h. clear water pumped from a deep aquifer

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Textbook Question

The U.S. quarter has a mass of 5.67 g and is approximately 1.55 mm thick. (a) How many quarters would have to be stacked to reach 575 ft, the height of the Washington Monument?

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