Question

Light does not move infinitely fast but has a finite speed. We normally use ""c"" to indicate the speed of light in science. Write down the value for the speed of light in metric units: c = _________.

Answer 1

6.71 × 10^8 mi/hr

Step-by-step explanation:

Light is usually defined as an electromagnetic wave that is comprised of a definite wavelength. It is of both types, visible and invisible. The light emitted from a source usually travels at a speed of about 3 × 10^8 meter/sec. This speed of light is commonly represented by the letter 'C'.

To write it in the metric system, it has to be converted into miles/hour.

We know that,

1 minute = 60 seconds

60 minutes = 1 hour

1 kilometer = 1000 meter

1 miles = 1.6 kilometer

Now,

=
`(3 *\ 10^8 meter *\ 60 sec *\ 60 min)/(1 sec *\ 1 min *\ 1 hr)`

= 1.08 × 10^12 m/ hr (meter/hour)

=
`(1.08 *\ 10^(12) meter *\ 1 km *\ 1 miles)/(1 hr *\ 1000 meter *\ 1.6 km)`

= 6.71 × 10^8 mi/hr (miles/hour)

Thus, the value for speed of light (C) in metric unit is 6.71 × 10^8 mi/hr.