The International Space Station orbits Earth at an average speed of 4.76 miles per second. What is the space station’s average speed in miles per hour?
A.
285.6

B.
571.2

C.
856.8

D.
17,136.0

Question

The International Space Station orbits Earth at an average speed of 4.76 miles per second. What is the space station&rsquo;s average speed in miles per hour ?

Accepted Answer

Choice D is correct. Since 1 minute = 60 seconds and 1 hour = 60 minutes, it follows that 1 hour = (60)(60), or 3,600 seconds. Using this conversion factor, the space station&rsquo;s average speed of 4.76 miles per second is equal to an average speed of , or 17,136 miles per hour. Choice A is incorrect. This is the space station&rsquo;s average speed in miles per minute. Choice B is incorrect. This is double the space station&rsquo;s average speed in miles per minute, or the number of miles the space station travels on average in 2 minutes. Choice C is incorrect. This is triple the space station&rsquo;s average speed in miles per minute, or the number of miles the space station travels on average in 3 minutes.

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