Convert Knot (UK) (kt (UK)) to Meter/Second (m/s) instantly.
About these units
Knot (UK) (kt (UK))
The UK knot historically varied slightly from the international knot because the UK used different values for the nautical mile depending on era and maritime authority. Though the differences were minor, they mattered in navigation, where precision affects charting, dead reckoning, and ocean voyaging. Modern UK practice fully aligns with the international knot (1 nautical mile per hour), but historical documents and charts may reference older UK knot values. The knot's rich maritime heritage—used by sailors measuring speed with knotted ropes dragged along the water—makes it one of the oldest continuously used speed units.
Meter/Second (m/s)
The meter per second is the SI unit of speed, representing the distance traveled in meters over one second. It is the foundational unit for physics, engineering, and scientific measurement because it derives directly from SI definitions of distance and time. In physics, m/s appears everywhere: from the velocity of falling objects and planetary orbits to the propagation of waves and fluid flow. It is the preferred unit when describing speeds mathematically because it integrates cleanly with SI-based equations involving energy, force, and momentum. Although not commonly used in everyday life—where km/h or mph dominate—m/s is essential for precision. Weather forecasts, for example, often use m/s for wind speeds in scientific analyses even if the public version converts to more familiar units. The clarity and mathematical consistency of m/s make it indispensable in scientific communication.