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Calculating Usain Bolt's Speed and Conversions

Nov 17, 2024

Calculating Usain Bolt's Average Speed

Introduction

  • The problem involves calculating Usain Bolt's average speed during his world record 100-meter sprint.
  • The duration of the sprint was 9.58 seconds.
  • This calculation involves understanding the relationship between distance, rate (speed), and time.

Basic Formula

  • Distance = Rate x Time
    • To find rate (speed), rearrange the formula: Rate = Distance / Time

Given Values

  • Distance: 100 meters (length of the race)
  • Time: 9.58 seconds (duration of the race)

Calculating Average Speed in Meters per Second

  1. Substitute the given values into the formula:
    • Rate = 100 meters / 9.58 seconds
  2. Perform the division:
    • Rate โ‰ˆ 10.4 meters per second

Converting Speed into Kilometers per Hour

  1. Convert meters per second to kilometers per second:
    • 10.4 meters is equivalent to 0.0104 kilometers
    • Divide by 1000
  2. Convert kilometers per second to kilometers per hour:
    • Multiply by 3600 (seconds in an hour)
    • 0.0104 km/s x 3600 = 37.4 km/h

Converting Speed into Miles per Hour

  1. Use the conversion factor: 1 mile = 1.61 kilometers
  2. Convert kilometers per hour to miles per hour:
    • 37.4 km/h รท 1.61 = 23.3 miles per hour

Summary

  • Usain Bolt's average speed during the race:
    • 10.4 meters per second
    • 37.4 kilometers per hour
    • 23.3 miles per hour

Comparison

  • Usain Bolt's speed (23.3 mph) is fast for a human but slower than some animals (e.g., charging elephant at 25 mph).

Conclusion

  • Understanding these conversions helps in contextualizing Usain Bolt's speed in different measurement systems for better comprehension across different regional systems.