2. Contrast the metric units of distance, time, and speed. Describe the relationship between them.
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To contrast the metric units of distance, time, and speed and understand their relationship, we need to explore each unit individually.
1. Distance: The metric unit of distance is the meter (m). It is the base unit used to measure the length or extent between two points. For larger distances, kilometer (km) is commonly used. For smaller distances, centimeter (cm) or millimeter (mm) may be used.
2. Time: The metric unit of time is the second (s). It is the base unit used to measure the duration between events or occurrences. For longer periods, minutes (min) and hours (h) are commonly used. For even longer durations, days (d), weeks (wk), or years (yr) may be used.
3. Speed: Speed is a derived metric unit, which represents how quickly an object moves per unit of time. The metric unit of speed is the meter per second (m/s). It is defined as the distance traveled divided by the time taken.
To calculate speed, the formula is:
Speed = Distance / Time.
Now let's discuss the relationship between these three units. Speed is directly related to both distance and time. It can be understood in two ways:
1. Direct relationship: As distance increases, with time remaining constant, the speed will increase. Similarly, when time increases with distance remaining constant, the speed will decrease. For example, running 10 meters in 2 seconds yields a speed of 5 m/s, while running 20 meters in 2 seconds would yield a speed of 10 m/s.
2. Inverse relationship: If the distance remains constant, but the time taken to cover that distance increases, the speed will decrease. For example, running 10 meters in 5 seconds yields a speed of 2 m/s, while running the same 10 meters in 10 seconds yields a speed of 1 m/s.
In summary, distance, time, and speed are interconnected, and changes in one of these metrics will affect the others. Understanding their relationship helps in analyzing and comparing different scenarios involving motion or travel.