Question

The speed of light in a vacuum is 2.998 x 108 m/s. How long does it take for light to circumnavigate the Earth, which has a circumference of around 24,900 miles? Do not enter "seconds" as part of your answer. Watch your Sig Figs!​

Answer 1

Answer:

0.13 s

Explanation:

We'll begin by converting 24900 mile to metres (m). This can be obtained as follow:

1 mile = 1609.344 m

Therefore,

24900 mile = 24900 mile × 1609.344 m / 1 mile

24900 mile = 4.01×10⁷ m

Finally, we shall determine the time taken for light to circumnavigate the Earth, this can be obtained as follow:

Distance = 4.01×10⁷ m

Speed = 2.998×10⁸ m/s

Time =?

Speed = distance / time

2.998×10⁸ = 4.01×10⁷ / time

Cross multiply

2.998×10⁸ × time = 4.01×10⁷

Divide both side by 2.998×10⁸

Time = 4.01×10⁷ / 2.998×10⁸

Time = 0.13 s

Thus, it will take 0.13 s for light to circumnavigate the Earth.