Speed of light to Meter per second Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert speed of light to meters per second with our free online speed converter.
Speed of light to Meter per second Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Speed of light).
- The converted value in Meter per second will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Speed category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Speed of light to Meter per second
Converting Speed of light to Meter per second involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Speed of light = 2.9979e+8 meters per secondExample Calculation:
Convert 60 speed of light: 60 × 2.9979e+8 = 1.7988e+10 meters per second
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
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What is a Speed of light and a Meter per second?
The speed of light in vacuum, commonly denoted by 'c', is a universal physical constant important in many areas of physics. Its exact value is defined as 299,792,458 meters per second.
Meters per second (m/s) is the base unit of speed and velocity in the International System of Units (SI). It measures the distance in meters traveled in one second.
Note: The Speed of light is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Meter per second belongs to the metric (SI) system.
History of the Speed of light and Meter per second
The concept that light travels at a finite speed has been explored since antiquity. Early quantitative estimates were made by Ole Rømer in 1676. Increasingly accurate measurements were made over centuries, culminating in the 1983 definition by the General Conference on Weights and Measures, which fixed the speed of light to its current value, thereby defining the meter based on 'c' and the second.
The concept of measuring speed evolved with the development of standardized units for distance (meter) and time (second) within the metric system, established during the French Revolution. The formal adoption of m/s as the SI derived unit for velocity solidified its importance in scientific contexts.
Common Uses for speed of light and meters per second
Explore the typical applications for both Speed of light (imperial/US) and Meter per second (metric) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for speed of light
- Physics: Fundamental constant in Einstein's theory of relativity (E=mc²), electromagnetism, and cosmology.
- Astronomy: Measuring vast cosmic distances (light-years).
- Telecommunications: Determining signal propagation speed in fiber optics and wireless communication.
- GPS: Accurate timing based on signal travel time from satellites.
Common Uses for meters per second
- Physics & Science: The standard unit for speed and velocity in scientific calculations, experiments, and equations (e.g., calculating acceleration, momentum).
- Engineering: Used in various engineering disciplines for specifying speeds of machinery, fluid flow rates, and other technical parameters.
- Athletics: Sometimes used to measure short-distance running speeds (sprints) and throwing velocities in sports science.
- Meteorology: Wind speed is often measured or converted to m/s for scientific models and international reporting, although km/h or knots might be used in public forecasts.
- Technology: Specifying the speed of data transmission or processing components in some technical contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Speed of light (c)
Is the speed of light always the same?
The speed of light in vacuum (c) is constant and independent of the observer's motion or the source's motion. However, light travels slower when passing through materials like water or glass. The ratio by which it slows down is the material's refractive index.
Can anything travel faster than the speed of light?
According to the theory of special relativity, no object with mass can be accelerated to the speed of light, and no information can travel faster than 'c' in a vacuum.
How is the speed of light related to the meter?
Since 1983, the meter is defined as the distance light travels in vacuum during a time interval of 1/299,792,458 of a second. This definition fixes the speed of light exactly.
About Meter per second (m/s)
What is the SI unit for speed?
Meters per second (m/s) is the base SI derived unit for speed and velocity.
Is m/s used for everyday speeds like driving?
Not typically for driving; kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph) are more common for vehicle speeds. m/s is primarily used in scientific and technical fields.
How does m/s relate to km/h?
1 m/s is equal to 3.6 km/h. To convert m/s to km/h, multiply by 3.6. To convert km/h to m/s, divide by 3.6.
Conversion Table: Speed of light to Meter per second
| Speed of light (c) | Meter per second (m/s) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 299,792,458 |
| 5 | 1,498,962,290 |
| 10 | 2,997,924,580 |
| 25 | 7,494,811,450 |
| 50 | 14,989,622,900 |
| 100 | 29,979,245,800 |
| 500 | 149,896,229,000 |
| 1,000 | 299,792,458,000 |
All Speed Conversions
Conversion Formula
1 c = 299792458 m/s
Where 1 Speed of light (c) equals the calculated value in meters per second (m/s).