Acceleration, the rate at which an object changes its velocity, is a fundamental concept in physics and engineering. It’s often measured in various units depending on the context, such as kilometers per second squared (km/s²) or feet per second squared (ft/s²). Converting between these units may seem daunting, but with a step-by-step approach, it becomes an easy and systematic process. In this article, we’ll walk you through the conversion of 34.83 km/s² to ft/s².
Step 1: Conversion Factors
To convert from kilometers to feet, we need to know the following equivalencies:
1 kilometer (km) = 1,000 meters (m)
1 meter (m) = 3.28084 feet (ft)
From these, we deduce: 1 kilometer = 1,000 × 3.28084 feet = 3,280.84 feet.
For acceleration, measured as distance per time squared, the conversion applies to both the distance and the time components. Since time remains in seconds squared (s²) in this case, we only focus on the distance conversion.
Step 2: Set Up the Conversion
The given acceleration is 34.83 km/s². To convert it to ft/s²:
- Replace “kilometers” with “feet” using the conversion factor (1 km = 3,280.84 ft):
Step 3: Perform the Calculation
Multiply the given value by the conversion factor:
Step 4: Verify the Results
It’s good practice to verify conversions by checking the units and performing the calculations carefully. Here:
- The “km” in the numerator and denominator cancels out, leaving “ft/s²” as the unit.
- The result, 114,293.47 ft/s², accurately represents the acceleration in the desired unit.
Conclusion
Converting acceleration from km/s² to ft/s² is straightforward when you break it down into steps. By understanding the conversion factor between kilometers and feet, you can confidently handle similar conversions. With practice, unit conversions like this will become second nature, enabling you to navigate between different systems of measurement with ease.