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Velocity Converter

Convert between velocity and speed units including m/s, km/h, mph, ft/s, knots, Mach, and speed of light. Essential for physics, engineering, and transportation calculations.

Enter Velocity/Speed Value

Quick Reference:
1 m/s = 3.6 km/h = 2.237 mph
1 km/h = 0.278 m/s = 0.621 mph
1 mph = 1.609 km/h = 0.447 m/s
1 knot = 1.852 km/h = 1.151 mph

All Conversions

Enter a velocity/speed value to see all conversions

Real-World Velocity Examples

Walking Speed
1.4 m/s
Average walking
Running Speed
3.5 m/s
Jogging pace
City Driving
50 km/h
Urban speed limit
Highway Speed
100 km/h
Highway limit
Speed Limit (US)
65 mph
US highway
Commercial Jet
250 m/s
Cruising speed
Sound Speed
1 Ma
Mach 1 at sea level
Supersonic
2 Ma
Twice sound speed
Light Speed
1 c
Speed of light
Ship Speed
20 kn
Container ship

Velocity is the rate of change of position with respect to time, including both speed and direction. In common usage, velocity and speed are often used interchangeably. This converter helps you convert between various velocity and speed units used in physics, engineering, transportation, and everyday life.

Understanding Velocity and Speed

Key concepts:

  • Velocity: Vector quantity with both magnitude (speed) and direction. Measured in m/s, km/h, mph, etc.
  • Speed: Scalar quantity - magnitude of velocity without direction. Often used interchangeably with velocity.
  • Average Velocity: Total displacement divided by total time. v = Δx / Δt
  • Instantaneous Velocity: Velocity at a specific moment in time.
  • SI Unit: Meters per second (m/s) is the standard unit for velocity.

Common Velocity Conversions

Metric Units:
1 m/s = 3.6 km/h
1 km/h = 0.278 m/s
1 m/s = 3.281 ft/s
1 km/h = 0.621 mph
Imperial Units:
1 mph = 1.609 km/h
1 mph = 0.447 m/s
1 ft/s = 0.682 mph
1 knot = 1.151 mph

Applications of Velocity

Transportation:
• Vehicle speed limits
• Aircraft velocity
• Ship navigation
• Sports performance
Science & Engineering:
• Physics calculations
• Fluid dynamics
• Projectile motion
• Relativistic speeds

Special Velocity Units

Specialized velocity measurements:

  • Knots: Nautical miles per hour. 1 knot = 1.852 km/h = 1.151 mph. Used in aviation and maritime navigation.
  • Mach: Ratio to speed of sound. Mach 1 ≈ 343 m/s at sea level. Varies with altitude and temperature. Used for aircraft speeds.
  • Speed of Light (c): 299,792,458 m/s. Universal constant, maximum possible speed. Used in relativity and physics.
  • Feet per Second: Common in US engineering. 1 ft/s = 0.3048 m/s = 0.682 mph.
  • Conversion Factors: Always multiply or divide by the appropriate conversion factor based on the units involved.

Note: All conversions are mathematically exact based on standard conversion factors. The meter per second (m/s) is the SI unit of velocity. Mach speed varies with altitude and temperature - this converter uses Mach 1 = 343 m/s at sea level at 20°C. The speed of light is a universal constant. For precise calculations, consider environmental factors like altitude and temperature.

FAQs

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