ATAR Notes: Forum

HSC Stuff => HSC Science Stuff => HSC Subjects + Help => HSC Physics => Topic started by: frog1944 on September 30, 2017, 12:39:35 pm

Title: Length Standards
Post by: frog1944 on September 30, 2017, 12:39:35 pm

Hi,

For the length standards component of space, when we talk about how now a meter is defined as "the length of the path travelled by light in a vacuum during the time interval of 1/299,792,458 of a second", could we instead say 1/c of a second? Or do we have to memorise that number?

Thanks

Title: Re: Length Standards
Post by: blasonduo on September 30, 2017, 12:48:49 pm

Quote from: frog1944 on September 30, 2017, 12:39:35 pm

Hi,

For the length standards component of space, when we talk about how now a meter is defined as "the length of the path travelled by light in a vacuum during the time interval of 1/299,792,458 of a second", could we instead say 1/c of a second? Or do we have to memorise that number?

Thanks

Hello! Our formula sheet has the speed of light as 3x10^8. Always use that in calculations, so when explaining the standard metre, just say the distance travelled by light in 1/(3x10^8) of a second.

This also removes any memorisation needed :)

Title: Re: Length Standards
Post by: frog1944 on September 30, 2017, 01:47:25 pm

Ok, thanks