The normal cruising speed of a certain airplane is about \( 210 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{sec} \). What is this speed in miles per hour?

To convert the speed from meters per second to miles per hour, you can use the conversion factors: \( 1 \text{ mile} = 1609.34 \text{ meters} \) and \( 1 \text{ hour} = 3600 \text{ seconds} \). Starting with \( 210 \text{ m/s} \): \[ 210 \text{ m/s} \times \frac{1 \text{ mile}}{1609.34 \text{ meters}} \times \frac{3600 \text{ seconds}}{1 \text{ hour}} \approx 469.56 \text{ miles per hour} \] So, the cruising speed is approximately \( 469.56 \text{ mph} \). Now, isn't it fascinating to think about how fast airplanes can fly? The speed of \( 210 \text{ m/s} \) allows them to cover vast distances in a relatively short amount of time, making global travel feasible for millions of people every day! Imagine zipping from New York to London in just about 6 hours! In the real world, this speed helps commercial flights maintain tight schedules while ensuring passenger safety and comfort. For pilots, balancing speed and fuel efficiency can be crucial for operational costs. Plus, it’s impressive to know that flying at high speeds allows planes to cruise above weather systems, providing a smoother ride for everyone on board.