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, we need to understand the individual units and the relationship between them:
1. Distance:
- The metric unit of distance is the meter (m). It is the basic unit of length in the International System of Units (SI).
- The meter is used to measure how far apart two objects are or the length of an object.
2. Time:
- The metric unit of time is the second (s). It is also part of the SI system.
- The second is used to measure the duration or interval between events, such as the time it takes for something to happen.
3. Speed:
- Speed is a measure of how fast an object is moving, and it is defined as the distance traveled per unit of time.
- The metric unit of speed is the meter per second (m/s). It represents the distance covered in one second.
- Speed is calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the time it takes to cover that distance.
Relationship between distance, time, and speed:
- Speed is dependent on distance and time, as it is calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the time taken.
- If the distance remains constant, the speed will increase as the time taken to cover that distance decreases.
- Conversely, if the time remains constant, the speed will decrease as the distance to be covered increases.
- For example, if a car travels 100 meters in 10 seconds, its speed would be 100 meters divided by 10 seconds, which is 10 meters per second (10 m/s).
In summary, distance is the measure of separation between two objects, time is the measure of duration or interval between events, and speed quantifies how fast an object is moving in relation to the distance traveled and the time it takes to cover that distance.