Physics quiz question: speed conversion

Physics 8A Quiz 1, Fall Semester 2003
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Physics 8A learning goal Q1.1

(Cf. Young and Freeman, University Physics, 10/e, Exercise 1-7.)

[3.0 points.] Consider the pop rock group t.A.T.u's album title "200 km/h In The Wrong Lane." Which one of the following choices best describes this speed in feet per second?
(A) 124 ft/s.
(B) 136 ft/s.
(C) 182 ft/s.
(D) 322 ft/s.

Correct answer: (C)

To convert km/h into ft/s:

(200 km/h) * (1,000 m/1 km) * (3.28 ft/1 m) * (1 h/3,600 s) = 182 ft/s.

Response (A) is 200/1.609; response (B) is 200*(3,600/5,280); while response (D) is 200*1.609.

Student responses:
(A) : 1 student
(B) : 1 student
(C) : 35 students
(D) : 1 student