To do this, answer each of the following with a brief explanation of the mathematics used to get there. The speed of light is 3*10^8 m/s (aka 300,000,000 meters per second). What is the speed of light in centimeters per second, kilometers per second, and miles per hour? (Hint: there are roughly 1.6 km per mile and 3600 seconds per hour) Remember to show the math; If light from the closest star to our solar system takes about 4.2 years to get to us, how far away is that star in units of Gm (aka Gigameters)? Again, explain your work.

University Physics Volume 1
18th Edition
ISBN:9781938168277
Author:William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny
Chapter1: Units And Measurement
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1.3CYU: Check Your Understanding We know horn Figure 1.4 that the diameter of Earth is on the order of 107m...
icon
Related questions
Question

For this short response assignment, your job is to demonstrate your understanding of SI units and how they can be applied on an astronomical scale. 
To do this, answer each of the following with a brief explanation of the mathematics used to get there.
The speed of light is 3*10^8 m/s (aka 300,000,000 meters per second). What is the speed of light in centimeters per second, kilometers per second, and miles per hour? (Hint: there are roughly 1.6 km per mile and 3600 seconds per hour) Remember to show the math; 
If light from the closest star to our solar system takes about 4.2 years to get to us, how far away is that star in units of Gm (aka Gigameters)? Again, explain your work. 

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Space-time
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
University Physics Volume 1
University Physics Volume 1
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168277
Author:
William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:
OpenStax - Rice University
Astronomy
Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168284
Author:
Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff
Publisher:
OpenStax
Glencoe Physics: Principles and Problems, Student…
Glencoe Physics: Principles and Problems, Student…
Physics
ISBN:
9780078807213
Author:
Paul W. Zitzewitz
Publisher:
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill