Question

Light does not move infinitely fast but has a finite speed. We normally use ""c"" to indicate the speed of light in science. Write down the value for the speed of light in metric units: c = _________.

Answer 1

Answer:

6.71 × 10^8 mi/hr

Explanation:

Light is usually defined as an electromagnetic wave that is comprised of a definite wavelength. It is of both types, visible and invisible. The light emitted from a source usually travels at a speed of about 3 × 10^8 meter/sec. This speed of light is commonly represented by the letter 'C'.

To write it in the metric system, it has to be converted into miles/hour.

We know that,

1 minute = 60 seconds

60 minutes = 1 hour

1 kilometer = 1000 meter

1 miles = 1.6 kilometer

Now,

= $\frac{3 \times\ 10^8 meter \times\ 60 sec \times\ 60 min}{1 sec \times\ 1 min \times\ 1 hr}$

= 1.08 × 10^12 m/ hr (meter/hour)

= $\frac{1.08 \times\ 10^{12} meter \times\ 1 km \times\ 1 miles}{1 hr \times\ 1000 meter \times\ 1.6 km}$

= 6.71 × 10^8 mi/hr (miles/hour)

Thus, the value for speed of light (C) in metric unit is 6.71 × 10^8 mi/hr.