Light travels at an approximate rate of 1.9 X 10^5 mi./sec. Why are about 3.2 X 10^7 seconds in a year. But how many miles does light travel in a year? Write the answer in scientific notation. Expressed the answer to the exact decimal place.

3 answers

To find the total distance that light travels in a year, we need to multiply the speed of light by the number of seconds in a year.

Given:
Speed of light = 1.9 × 10^5 mi/sec
Number of seconds in a year = 3.2 × 10^7 sec

Distance traveled in a year = Speed of light × Number of seconds in a year

Distance traveled in a year = (1.9 × 10^5 mi/sec) × (3.2 × 10^7 sec)

Multiplying the numbers, we get:

Distance traveled in a year = 6.08 × 10^12 mi

Therefore, light travels approximately 6.08 × 10^12 miles in a year.
The average tectonic plate moves at the rate of 0.006 m per year. How many meters wouldn’t move in 2 X 10^6 years? Write the answer in scientific notation, expressed to the exact decimal place.
To find the number of meters that wouldn't move in 2 X 10^6 years, we need to multiply the rate of movement by the number of years.

Given:
Rate of movement = 0.006 m/year
Number of years = 2 X 10^6 years

To calculate the distance that wouldn't move, we can use the formula:

Distance = Rate of movement x Number of years

Distance = 0.006 m/year x 2 X 10^6 years

Multiplying the numbers, we get:

Distance = 0.006 x 2 x 10^6 = 0.012 x 10^6

To express it in scientific notation:

Distance = 1.2 x 10^4 m

Therefore, in 2 X 10^6 years, approximately 1.2 x 10^4 meters wouldn't move.