Converting Velocity from mph to ft/s: How to Rewrite a Constant Formula

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In summary, the conversation discussed changing a formula from mph to ft/s by converting the units and adjusting the constant. The new constant was determined to be 8.02, with units of ft/(s ft1/2). The conversation also clarified the units of the original formula and the steps to convert the units on the constant.
  • #1
Ryuk1990
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Ok, here is a certain formula and I have to change it.

V = 5.47[tex]\sqrt{h}[/tex]

V is velocity in mph while h is distance in ft.

I need to determine a new constant so that V is in feet per second. How do I go about doing that? Do I just convert V first and then take the constant and multiply it by the numbers that I needed to convert to ft/s?

By the way, h stays the same as just ft.
 
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  • #2
If 1 mph is 1.67 ft/s (recheck this for me)

How much ft/s is V mph?

EDIT: As Char. Limit says, 1mph is 1.467 ft/s

I forgot a 4 it seems.
 
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  • #3
Err...

1 mph is not 1.67 ft/s.

1 mph is 1.467 ft/s
 
  • #4
There are 5280 ft/mi. There are 60 sec per minute and 60 minutes per hour and so 3600 seconds per hour.

1 mi/hr= (1 mi/hr)(5280 ft/mi)/(60 sec/hr)= 5280/60 (mi/hr)(ft/mi)(hr/sec= 1.47 ft/sec.
 
  • #5
And there are 1000 metres / kilometre

I dunno... metric units just seem simpler...
 
  • #6
Yeah I know how to convert but I'm asking how do I change the constant 5.47 in the formula to accommodate V in ft/sec? Do I just multiply 5.47 by the numbers that I multiplied into V to convert it?
 
  • #7
I believe you would just multiply the equation the same way HallsofIvy has done; it's called the Grid Method.
 
  • #8
Ryuk1990 said:
Ok, here is a certain formula and I have to change it.

V = 5.47[tex]\sqrt{h}[/tex]

V is velocity in mph while h is distance in ft.

I need to determine a new constant so that V is in feet per second. How do I go about doing that? Do I just convert V first and then take the constant and multiply it by the numbers that I needed to convert to ft/s?

By the way, h stays the same as just ft.
Just put the units in explicitly:

[tex]v=5.47 \frac{\mbox{miles}}{\mbox{hr ft}^{1/2}}\sqrt{h}[/tex]

and convert the units on the constant like you normally do.
 
  • #9
vela said:
Just put the units in explicitly:

[tex]v=5.47 \frac{\mbox{miles}}{\mbox{hr ft}^{1/2}}\sqrt{h}[/tex]

and convert the units on the constant like you normally do.

I have no idea how you got that unit for the constant.

I also don't know what you mean by converting the units on the constant like you normally would. Convert the units on the constant into what?
 
  • #10
The units of [itex]\sqrt{h}[/itex], if h is in feet, is ft1/2, which cancels with the ft1/2 in the denominator of the units of the constant. The units of v is mph, so the what's left over after the ft1/2 cancels must be miles/hr.

If you want the formula to give an answer in ft/s, the constant needs to have units of ft/(s ft1/2).
 
  • #11
I got 8.02 as the new constant. Is that right?
 

FAQ: Converting Velocity from mph to ft/s: How to Rewrite a Constant Formula

What is meant by "rewriting the constant"?

Rewriting the constant refers to the process of changing a mathematical or scientific equation by replacing a fixed value, known as a constant, with a different value. This can alter the overall behavior or outcome of the equation.

How is rewriting the constant useful in scientific research?

Rewriting the constant allows scientists to manipulate equations and test different scenarios in order to better understand a system or phenomenon. It can also help in finding alternative solutions or predicting future outcomes.

Can rewriting the constant change the fundamental principles of a scientific theory?

Not necessarily. While rewriting the constant can change the specific results of an equation, it does not alter the underlying principles of a theory. However, it can lead to new discoveries or challenge existing theories.

Are there any limitations to rewriting the constant?

Yes, there are limitations to rewriting the constant. It can only be done for equations that contain constants, and the new values must be within the range of validity for the equation. Additionally, it may not always accurately reflect real-world scenarios.

Are there any ethical considerations when rewriting the constant?

It is important for scientists to clearly communicate any changes made to constants in their research and to ensure that the revised equations are still valid. Altering constants without proper justification or disclosure can lead to misleading or inaccurate results, which can have ethical implications.

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