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Ch.1 - Introduction: Matter, Energy, and Measurement
Chapter 1, Problem 56a

(a) The speed of light in a vacuum is 2.998×108 m/s. Calculate its speed in miles per hour.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Speed of Light

The speed of light in a vacuum is a fundamental constant of nature, denoted as 'c', with a value of approximately 2.998×10^8 meters per second. This speed is crucial in physics and chemistry as it represents the maximum speed at which information or matter can travel. Understanding this constant is essential for calculations involving electromagnetic radiation and relativistic effects.
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Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is the process of converting a quantity expressed in one set of units to another set of units. In this case, converting the speed of light from meters per second to miles per hour involves using conversion factors, specifically that 1 mile is approximately 1609.34 meters and 1 hour is 3600 seconds. Mastery of unit conversion is vital in chemistry for ensuring that measurements are consistent and comparable.
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Dimensional Analysis

Dimensional analysis is a mathematical technique used to convert one set of units to another by multiplying by conversion factors that equal one. This method ensures that the units cancel appropriately, leading to the desired unit in the final answer. It is a powerful tool in chemistry for verifying calculations and ensuring that equations are dimensionally consistent.
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