Kilometer per hour (km/h)
The kilometer per hour, symbol km/h, measures speed based on metric distance over time. It became widely used in Europe in the 19th century as road travel and railways expanded, providing a convenient unit for vehicle speed. One kilometer per hour equals 1000 meters traveled in one hour. Today, it is the standard speed unit for road traffic, navigation systems, and weather reporting in most countries, except a few that use miles per hour. Kilometers per hour offers an intuitive way to understand everyday speeds while maintaining metric consistency with distance and time measurements.
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.