2. Contrast the metric units of distance, time, and speed. Describe the relationship between them.
To contrast the metric units of distance, time, and speed and describe their relationship, we first need to understand the basic units of each measurement.
1. Distance: The metric unit for distance is the meter (m). It represents the physical space between two points. For larger distances, kilometer (km) is commonly used.
2. Time: The metric unit for time is the second (s). It measures the duration of an event or the interval between two points. Larger units, such as minutes (min), hours (hr), and days (day), are also frequently used.
3. Speed: Speed is a derived unit, which is calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the time taken. The metric unit for speed is meters per second (m/s). Kilometers per hour (km/h) is another commonly used unit for speed.
Now, let's explore the relationship between these units:
1. Distance and Time: The relationship between distance and time forms the basis for calculating speed. The formula for speed is: Speed = Distance / Time. To find the distance covered, you can multiply the speed by the time: Distance = Speed * Time. Similarly, to find the time taken, you can divide the distance by the speed: Time = Distance / Speed.
2. Speed, Distance, and Time: Speed is the ratio of the distance traveled to the time taken to cover that distance. If the speed is constant, as the distance increases, the time taken will also increase proportionally, and vice versa. For example, if a car travels 60 km/h for 2 hours, it will cover a distance of 120 kilometers. If the car continues to travel at the same speed, but for 4 hours, it will cover a distance of 240 kilometers.
In summary, distance is a measure of space, time is a measure of duration, and speed is the rate at which distance is covered in a specific time period. They are interconnected through mathematical relationships, enabling us to calculate one based on the values of the others.