The acceleration of an object due to gravity is 32 feet per second squared. What is acceleration due to gravity in inches per second squared?
A. $\frac{3}{8}$ inches per second squared
B. $2 \frac{2}{3}$ inches per second squared
C. 384 inches per second squared
D. 1,024 inches per second squared
Answer (2)
Recognize that 1 foot equals 12 inches.
Multiply the acceleration in feet per second squared by the conversion factor (12 inches/foot).
Calculate: 32 seco n d 2 f ee t × 12 f oo t in c h es = 384 seco n d 2 in c h es .
The acceleration due to gravity is 384 inches per second squared.
Explanation
Problem Analysis We are given that the acceleration due to gravity is 32 feet per second squared, and we want to convert this to inches per second squared. We know that 1 foot is equal to 12 inches.
Conversion Factor To convert feet per second squared to inches per second squared, we need to multiply by the conversion factor, which is 12 inches per foot.
Calculation So, we multiply 32 feet per second squared by 12 inches per foot: 32 second 2 feet × 12 foot inches = 384 second 2 inches
Final Answer Therefore, the acceleration due to gravity is 384 inches per second squared.
Examples
Imagine you're designing a video game where objects fall according to Earth's gravity. Knowing the acceleration due to gravity in inches per second squared helps you program the game to simulate realistic falling motion. This conversion is also useful in engineering when precise measurements are needed in inches rather than feet, such as in structural design or mechanical systems.
The acceleration due to gravity is converted from 32 feet per second squared to 384 inches per second squared by using the conversion factor of 12 inches per foot. Therefore, the selected option is C. 384 inches per second squared.
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