Unit Conversion Troubleshooting: Identifying and Correcting Common Errors

In summary, the conversation included three unit conversion problems: 1.64ly/min to SI Units, 2.3E27carats/parsec^3 to SI, and 642 furlongs per fortnight to SI. The correct conversions were provided for the first and third problems. However, the second problem was calculated incorrectly due to a mistake in converting units. Additionally, there was some confusion about the units for the first problem, as light years/min is a unit of velocity while W/m^2 is a unit of intensity. It was also mentioned that the second problem was only calculated for one day instead of a fortnight.
  • #1
badtwistoffate
81
0
:devil:
I have 3 unit conversions and they are not coming out right... what am I doing wrong if you can spot it:
1)1.64ly/min to SI Units:
1ly/min=697.5W/m^2
1144.6W/m^2 but how do you get it with just the oringinal SI units...


2)2.3E27carats/parsec^3 to SI:
2.3E27carats/parsec^3 * (1kg/.0002carats) *( 1 parsec^3/2.938e49 m^3) = 3.91E-19 but is nothing like what google says !


3)642 furlongs per fortnight to SI:
642 furlongs/fortnight * (201.2m/1furlong)*(1/[24*60*60])*(201.2m/1furlong)=.107m/s?
 
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  • #2
Wait, light years/min? That's a unit of velocity and W/m^2 is a unit of intensity.
 
  • #3
langleys/min
 
  • #4
You want the units to be basic SI-units? Well, Watt is J/s and Joule is Nm and Newton is kg m/s^2.

You calculated the second one wrong. I got 1.566*10^(-26) kg/m^3. Pay attention to what you do when you change units. Remember that 1 carat = 0.0002 kg, not 1kg = 0.0002 carat.
 
  • #5
badtwistoffate said:
642 furlongs per fortnight to SI:
642 furlongs/fortnight * (201.2m/1furlong)*(1/[24*60*60])*(201.2m/1furlong)=.107m/s?

That's just one day, not a fortnight.

And why twice 201.2m/1 furlong?
 

FAQ: Unit Conversion Troubleshooting: Identifying and Correcting Common Errors

How do I convert between units?

To convert between units, you can use a conversion factor. This is a ratio that relates the two units you are converting between. You simply multiply your original measurement by the conversion factor to get the equivalent measurement in the new unit.

What is the most commonly used unit of measurement?

The most commonly used unit of measurement varies depending on what is being measured. For length, the most commonly used unit is meters, for weight it is kilograms, and for volume it is liters. It is important to always check what unit is being used in a particular field of study.

How do I convert from metric to imperial units?

To convert from metric to imperial units, you can use conversion factors or conversion tables. For example, to convert from meters to feet, the conversion factor is 3.28084. You can multiply your measurement in meters by this factor to get the equivalent measurement in feet.

Why is it important to be able to convert between units?

Being able to convert between units is important because different fields of study and industries use different units of measurement. Being able to convert between units allows for easier communication and understanding between different fields. It also allows for more accurate and precise measurements.

What are some common mistakes when converting units?

Some common mistakes when converting units include using the wrong conversion factor, forgetting to convert all units in a given measurement, and rounding incorrectly. It is important to double check your conversions and use accurate conversion factors to avoid these mistakes.

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