Chapter 2.2, Problem 20PP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Conversion factors are to be determined the number of seconds in one year is to be written.

Concept introduction:

An arithmetical multiplier which is used to convert a quantity that is expressed in one set of units and equal to the other quantity in another unit is known as conversion factor.

Answer to Problem 20PP

Conversion factors $1yr\left(\frac{365d}{1yr}\right)\left(\frac{24h}{1d}\right)\left(\frac{60\min }{1h}\right)\left(\frac{60s}{1\min }\right)$ can be used to change 1 year into seconds.

Explanation of Solution

A second is the short period of time. A minute is equal to 60 seconds. An hour is equal to 60 minutes. A year has 365 days and in leap year it has 366 days.

The conversion factor needed to determine the number of seconds in one year is:

$\text{1 year = 365 days = (365 days) × (24 hours/day) × (3600 seconds/hour) = 31536000 seconds}$

Thus, 1 year can be converted into seconds by using following conversion factors:

$1yr\left(\frac{365d}{1yr}\right)\left(\frac{24h}{1d}\right)\left(\frac{60\min }{1h}\right)\left(\frac{60s}{1\min }\right)$

Conclusion

Hence, the conversion factor to determine one year into seconds is $1yr\left(\frac{365d}{1yr}\right)\left(\frac{24h}{1d}\right)\left(\frac{60\min }{1h}\right)\left(\frac{60s}{1\min }\right)$