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, let's first understand what each unit represents:
1. Distance: The metric unit of distance is the meter (m). It represents the amount of space between two points or the length of a path.
2. Time: The metric unit of time is the second (s). It measures the duration or interval between events.
3. Speed: Speed is a derived quantity that combines distance and time. The metric unit of speed is meters per second (m/s). It measures how quickly an object moves over a specific distance in a specific amount of time.
Now, let's describe the relationships between these units:
1. Distance vs. Time: Distance and time are independent of each other. They do not affect one another directly. If you want to calculate the speed, you need both distance and time.
2. Distance vs. Speed: Distance and speed are related but different quantities. Speed measures how quickly an object moves over a certain distance, whereas distance is the actual length traveled. To calculate distance, you need to know the speed and time traveled.
3. Time vs. Speed: Time and speed are inversely proportional to each other when distance remains constant. As speed increases, the time it takes to cover a fixed distance decreases. Likewise, if the speed decreases, the time taken to cover a fixed distance increases.
In summary, distance and time are independent, while speed is a derived quantity that depends on both distance and time. The relationship between these units is essential in understanding how objects move and how fast they do so.