The distance from Earth to the Moon is approximately 240,000 mi. (c) The speed of light is 3.00 ⨉ 10⁸ m/s. How long does it take for light to travel from Earth to the Moon and back again?

Key Concepts

Speed of Light

The speed of light in a vacuum is a fundamental constant of nature, approximately 3.00 × 10^8 meters per second. This speed is crucial for calculating how long it takes for light to travel a given distance, as it represents the maximum speed at which information or matter can travel in the universe.

Distance Measurement

In this context, the distance from Earth to the Moon is given as approximately 240,000 miles. To perform calculations involving the speed of light, it is essential to convert this distance into meters, as the speed of light is expressed in meters per second. Knowing the correct units is vital for accurate calculations.

Time Calculation

To determine the time it takes for light to travel a certain distance, the formula time = distance/speed is used. In this case, the total distance for a round trip to the Moon is twice the one-way distance. By applying this formula, one can find the time taken for light to make the journey to the Moon and back.