SOLUTION: The speed of light, often denoted by the variable c, is 2.998x10^8 meters per second. Because the distance light travels in one year is so large, in 1838 the German astronomer Bess

Question 971718: The speed of light, often denoted by the variable c, is 2.998x10^8 meters per second. Because the distance light travels in one year is so large, in 1838 the German astronomer Bessel coined the term "light year" to represent this distance. Bessel first used this term when he announced that the distance to the star 61 Cygni was 10.3 light years.
Given that there are 3600 seconds in an hour, 24 hours in a day, and approximately 365.24 days in a year, what is the distance to 61 Cygni in meters? Give your answer in scientific notation with 3 decimal places.
I am a little confused with the setup of this problem. Should I multiply c times 3600 times 24 times 365.24 and when I get that answer then multiply it by the 10.3 light years?
Answer by anand429(138) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
1 light year= distance travelled by light in 1 year
So, distance to Cygni is 10.3 light years
= 10.3 * light's speed * no. of seconds in a year
=
So, yes, you are right. Go ahead.
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