Calculate Time: 500 km/h Projectile Covering 150 Meters

Unit Conversion with Speed-Time Calculations

A projectile travels at a speed of 500 km/h.

If the distance between the shooter and the target is 150 meters, then how much time will pass from the moment of firing until the moment of impact?

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

A projectile travels at a speed of 500 km/h.

If the distance between the shooter and the target is 150 meters, then how much time will pass from the moment of firing until the moment of impact?

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Convert the speed from km/h to m/s.
  • Step 2: Apply the formula for time.
  • Step 3: Calculate the time taken using the formula.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Convert the speed from km/h to m/s
The speed is given as 500 km/h. We know that 1 km/h is equal to 10003600\frac{1000}{3600} m/s (since there are 1000 meters in a kilometer and 3600 seconds in an hour). Thus, we have:

500km/h=500×10003600m/s=500×10003600m/s 500 \, \text{km/h} = 500 \times \frac{1000}{3600} \, \text{m/s} = \frac{500 \times 1000}{3600} \, \text{m/s}

=5000003600m/s138.89m/s = \frac{500000}{3600} \, \text{m/s} \approx 138.89 \, \text{m/s}

Step 2: Apply the formula for time
Using the formula t=dv t = \frac{d}{v} , where d=150meters d = 150 \, \text{meters} and v=138.89m/s v = 138.89 \, \text{m/s} , we calculate the time:

t=150138.89 t = \frac{150}{138.89}

Step 3: Calculate the time:
Perform the calculation:

t1.08seconds t \approx 1.08 \, \text{seconds}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 1.08 1.08 seconds.

3

Final Answer

1.08 1.08 seconds

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Conversion Rule: Multiply km/h by 5/18 to get m/s
  • Technique: 500 km/h × 5/18 = 138.89 m/s for consistent units
  • Check: Distance ÷ Speed = Time: 150 ÷ 138.89 = 1.08 seconds ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Using mixed units without conversion
    Don't use 500 km/h with 150 meters directly = nonsensical units! This gives wrong numerical results because you're mixing different measurement systems. Always convert to consistent units first - either all metric (m/s) or all imperial before calculating.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

David runs at a speed of 5 meters per second and covers a distance of 700 meters.

For how long does David run?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just divide 150 meters by 500 km/h directly?

+

You cannot mix different units in calculations! It's like trying to divide apples by oranges. You must convert km/h to m/s first, or convert meters to kilometers - but keep units consistent.

How do I remember the conversion from km/h to m/s?

+

Use the magic fraction 5/18! Multiply any km/h speed by 5/18 to get m/s. Or remember: divide by 3.6 (since 3.6 = 18/5). Both methods work perfectly!

What if the problem gives speed in m/s already?

+

Lucky you! When speed is already in m/s and distance in meters, just use the formula directly: t=dv t = \frac{d}{v} with no conversions needed.

Can I convert the distance to kilometers instead?

+

Absolutely! Convert 150 meters to 0.15 km, then use t=0.15500=0.0003 t = \frac{0.15}{500} = 0.0003 hours. Just remember to convert the final answer: 0.0003 hours × 3600 = 1.08 seconds.

Why is my calculator giving me a different answer?

+

Check your conversion factor! If you used 1000/3600 = 0.2778 instead of the exact fraction, you'll get slight rounding differences. Using 5/18 = 0.2777... gives more precise results.

Is this the same formula used for cars and planes?

+

Yes! The formula t=dv t = \frac{d}{v} works for any object moving at constant speed - projectiles, cars, planes, even walking! Just make sure your units match.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Word Problems for Grade School questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations