Foot per second (ft/s)
The foot per second, symbol ft/s, is an imperial unit of speed representing how many feet an object travels in one second. It originated in English engineering and physics as a practical unit for measuring velocities on land and in laboratory settings. One ft/s equals 0.3048 meters per second. While less common in everyday applications compared to mph, it is still used in scientific experiments, ballistics, and technical specifications in the United States. The unit bridges imperial measurements with precise, time-based speed calculations.
Meter per second (m/s)
The meter per second, symbolized as m/s, is the SI unit for speed, representing the distance an object travels in one second. It was introduced alongside the meter in the late 18th century as part of the metric system and has since become the standard unit of measurement in physics, engineering, and scientific research. Using meters per second ensures consistent, precise, and universal speed measurements, crucial in fields such as mechanics, astronomy, and transportation planning. This unit is widely used in scientific literature, high-speed calculations, and international engineering projects, providing a clear metric reference point for motion.