Meter per second (m/s)

Definition

The meter per second (m/s) is the SI unit of speed, defined as the distance of one meter traveled in one second. It is a derived unit in the International System of Units (SI).

History

The concept of measuring speed dates back to ancient civilizations. The meter was defined in 1793 during the French Revolution as one ten-millionth of the distance from the equator to the North Pole. The m/s unit was standardized in the late 19th century, aligning with the establishment of the SI system in 1960.

Uses

The meter per second is widely used in various fields. In everyday life, it measures vehicle speeds. In science and engineering, it’s essential for calculations involving motion, fluid dynamics, and physics. It's standard in most countries, particularly those using the metric system.

Conversions

  • 1 m/s = 3.6 km/h
  • 1 m/s = 2.23694 mph
  • 1 m/s = 39.3701 inches/second

Fun Facts

  • A common misconception is that speed limits are often in mph, but many countries use km/h, which can be converted to m/s.
  • The m/s unit is frequently used in Olympic athletics to record sprinting speeds.
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