How do I convert m/s to km/h? Give an example.

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 25th, 2023

When it comes to measuring speed, different units are used in different contexts. One common conversion that you may come across is converting meters per second (m/s) to kilometers per hour (km/h). In order to convert m/s to km/h, you can multiply the value in m/s by 3600/1000. This conversion is often encountered in physics, engineering, and everyday situations where speed is discussed. Let’s learn the step-by-step process to convert the SI unit of speed and velocity, m/s to km/h.

Table of content

1. What is m/s?
2. What is km/h?
3. Steps to convert m/s to km/h
4. How do I convert m/s to km/h? Give an example.

What is m/s?

“m/s” stands for meters per second, which is a unit of measurement used to quantify speed or velocity. It represents the distance covered in meters divided by the time taken in seconds. Meters per second is a fundamental unit in the International System of Units (SI) and is widely used in various fields such as physics, engineering, and sports. It provides an accurate measure of how fast an object is moving or how quickly a change in position occurs over time.

What is km/h?

Km/h stands for kilometers per hour, which is a unit of measurement used to express speed or velocity. It represents the distance traveled in kilometers divided by the time taken in hours. Kilometers per hour is a commonly used unit to measure the speed of vehicles, as well as the pace of various activities. It provides a practical measure for everyday situations, allowing us to easily understand and compare speeds. Whether it’s calculating the speed of a car, determining the pace of a runner, or assessing the efficiency of transportation systems, km/h helps us gauge speed in a relatable way.

Steps to convert m/s to km/h

To convert m/s to km/h, we need to consider the relationship between the two units. The key is to understand that 1 kilometer is equal to 1000 meters, and 1 hour consists of 3600 seconds. Knowing it, we can easily convert the SI units.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to convert m/s to km/h:

Step 1: Identify the given value in meters per second (m/s). Let’s assume we have a speed of 10 m/s.

Step 2: Multiply the given value by 3.6. This conversion factor accounts for the number of seconds in an hour (3600 seconds) and the number of meters in a kilometer (1000 meters). In our example, 10 m/s multiplied by 3.6 equals 36 km/h.

Step 3: Interpret the result. The final value represents the equivalent speed in kilometers per hour (km/h). For example, a speed of 10 m/s is equivalent to 36 km/h.

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