How do you convert a rate of miles per hour to a rate of miles per second?

Answer 1

This can be done through a method called " Dimensional Analysis ."

This method allows you to easily convert any unit of metric to standard or vice-versa.

This is achieved by properly setting up the coversion ratio's to cancelled the unwanted unit thus leaving the desired unit.

For example, Let say you have an object weighing 20oz, and you need to convert to pounds(lbs).

This should always take two steps:

1st. Understand the question( what are they asking for?)

Answer: Need to convert ozs to lbs.

2nd. Now turn that statement into a question:

How many pounds (lbs) equals 20 (ozs).

That's it, now all you have to do is write the question in terms of a mathematical equation or expression, ie:

How many pounds (lbs) = 20 (ozs).

Then find the appropriate conversion unit.

I just happen to know that 16ozs = 1 lb

Now set it up, take note of this part. This is how everything comes together in-order to cancel the correct units.

? pounds (lbs) = 20 (ozs)

? is short for ( how many )

We know that 16ozs = 1lb or [ 1lb / 16 ozs ] so multiply ratio( 1lb / 16 ozs) by 20 ozs so that the ounces cancel and lbs are left.

= 20ozs * ( 1lb / 16 ozs )

ozs are on the bottom or in the denominator so they automatically cancel out.

= 20 lb / 16

= 5/4 or 1.25 lbs

Now your question.

How many miles per second = mph

Let's make it interesting.

How many miles per second = 60 mph

? mps = 60mph

where mps = (miles per second)

? mps = 60 mph* ( 1 hr /3600 seconds )

* Note all we had to do here is find a conversion ratio of hours to seconds( 1 hr = 3600secs ) or equivalently ( 1 hr / 3600 secs), also, notice the miles did not need to be converted unless you were looking for meters per second or kilometers per second, then we would have to find a conversion unit for the distance as well.

Hours cancel leaving mps

= 60 m / 3600 seconds

= 1/60 or 0.0166666 mps

Hope this helped.