An ambulance travels at a speed of 60 km/hr. How many meters does it travel in 2minutes?

Appeared in: RML 2023

Explanation

The core task is to calculate distance using the formula: Distance = Speed × Time.
A critical step is converting units to be consistent. The speed is given in km/hr, while the time is in minutes and the required distance is in meters.
Converting 60 km/hr to meters per minute: (60 km/hr) × (1000 m/km) ÷ (60 min/hr) = 1000 m/min.
Multiplying the converted speed by the given time: 1000 m/min × 2 minutes = 2000 meters.

Option A: This is the distance the ambulance travels in one minute, not two.
Option C: This value is the result of a calculation error, likely from incorrect unit conversion. For example, multiplying 60 km/hr by 2 minutes without proper conversion (60 x 2 = 120) and then misplacing the decimal might lead to such an error.
Option D: This is the distance the ambulance travels in three minutes, not two.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Calculation of distance from speed and time with unit conversion as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this is a mathematics question, the underlying skill of performing accurate calculations and unit conversions is critical in nursing.
Nurses frequently calculate medication dosages, IV drip rates, and fluid intake/output, where a simple math error can have serious patient safety consequences.
What if the speed was 90 km/hr? The speed in m/min would be (90 * 1000) / 60 = 1500 m/min. The distance in 2 minutes would be 1500 * 2 = 3000 meters.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify all the given values and their units: Speed = 60 km/hr, Time = 2 minutes.
Next, identify what the question is asking for and in which unit: Distance in meters.
Recognize that the units are inconsistent (hours vs. minutes, kilometers vs. meters). Plan to convert them to a common base. Converting speed to meters/minute is a good strategy.
Perform the unit conversion for speed: 60 km/hr = (60 * 1000 meters) / (60 minutes) = 1000 m/min.
Apply the standard formula: Distance = Speed × Time.
Substitute the converted values into the formula: Distance = 1000 m/min × 2 min = 2000 m.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Calculation of distance from speed and time with unit conversion.
Stem keywords: ambulance, speed, 60 km/hr, meters, 2 minutes
Lead-in keywords: How many

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