The distance from Earth to the Moon is approximately 240,000 mi. (a) What is this distance in meters?

Verified step by step guidance

1. <insert step 1> Start by identifying the conversion factor between miles and meters. You know that 1 mile is equal to 1,609.34 meters.>
2. <insert step 2> Set up the conversion by multiplying the distance in miles by the conversion factor to convert it to meters.>
3. <insert step 3> Write the equation: \( \text{Distance in meters} = 240,000 \text{ mi} \times 1,609.34 \text{ m/mi} \).>
4. <insert step 4> Perform the multiplication to find the distance in meters.>
5. <insert step 5> Ensure that your final answer is in the correct units, which should be meters.>

Key Concepts

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is the process of converting a quantity expressed in one unit to another unit. In this case, we need to convert miles to meters. Understanding the conversion factors, such as 1 mile being equal to 1,609.34 meters, is essential for accurately performing this calculation.

Metric System

The metric system is an internationally recognized decimal-based system of measurement. It includes units such as meters for length, grams for mass, and liters for volume. Familiarity with the metric system is crucial for scientific calculations and ensures consistency in measurements across different fields.

Dimensional Analysis

Dimensional analysis is a mathematical technique used to convert one set of units to another by multiplying by conversion factors. This method helps ensure that the units cancel appropriately, leading to the correct final unit. It is a fundamental skill in chemistry and physics for solving problems involving different measurement systems.