Estimate the average speed with which the hair on your head grows. Give your answer in both m/s and m/hour. Briefly describe how you arrived at this estimate.

Verified step by step guidance

1. First, gather information on the average growth rate of human hair. Research indicates that human hair typically grows at a rate of about 1 cm per month.
2. Convert the monthly growth rate into a more manageable unit, such as meters per second. Since there are about 0.01 meters in 1 cm, and there are approximately 2,592,000 seconds in a month (30 days), you can use the formula: \(\text{Speed (m/s)} = \frac{0.01 \, \text{meters}}{2,592,000 \, \text{seconds}}\).
3. Calculate the speed in meters per second using the formula provided in the previous step.
4. To find the speed in meters per hour, use the conversion factor that there are 3600 seconds in an hour. Multiply the speed in meters per second by 3600 to get the speed in meters per hour.
5. Summarize the results in both units, meters per second and meters per hour, to provide a complete answer.

Key Concepts

Average Speed

Average speed is defined as the total distance traveled divided by the total time taken. It provides a measure of how quickly an object moves over a specific period. In this context, it refers to the rate at which hair grows, allowing us to quantify growth in terms of meters per second (m/s) and meters per hour (m/h).

Hair Growth Rate

The hair growth rate varies among individuals but is generally estimated to be about 1 to 1.5 centimeters per month. This biological process is influenced by factors such as genetics, health, and age. Understanding this rate is crucial for converting the growth into speed measurements, as it provides a baseline for calculations.

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is the process of converting a quantity expressed in one set of units into another. In this case, converting hair growth from centimeters per month to meters per second and meters per hour involves understanding the relationships between these units. This skill is essential for accurately reporting the average speed of hair growth in different units.