Second Converter
Convert Second to Planck Time and more • 33 conversions
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Unit Explanations
Second of Arc"
Source UnitA second of arc, also known as an arcsecond, is a unit of angular measurement that is equal to 1/3600 of a degree or 1/60 of an arcminute. It is used primarily in fields that require precise angular measurement, such as astronomy, navigation, and mapping. An arcsecond is a small unit, reflecting the requirement for high precision in measurements of celestial objects and angles on the Earth's surface. The notation for a second of arc is usually represented by a double prime symbol ("), following the degree and arcminute symbols.
Current Use
Today, the second of arc is indispensable in astronomy for measuring the positions and movements of celestial objects with high precision. It is also used in geodesy and cartography to define the precise angular relationships between points on the Earth. Additionally, arcseconds are employed in the calibration of telescopes and other optical instruments where small angular measurements are critical.
Fun Fact
An arcsecond is roughly the angle subtended by a U.S. dime at a distance of 2.4 miles.
Planck Timetₚ
Target UnitPlanck time, denoted as tₚ, is the time interval that corresponds to the time it takes for light to travel a distance of one Planck length in a vacuum. It is derived from fundamental constants in physics, specifically the speed of light, gravitational constant, and Planck's constant. Mathematically, it is defined as tₚ = √(ħG/c^5), where ħ is the reduced Planck constant, G is the gravitational constant, and c is the speed of light. This extremely small unit of time is approximately 5.39 × 10⁻⁴⁴ seconds, making it the smallest measurable unit of time in the universe, thus playing a critical role in quantum mechanics and cosmology.
Current Use
Today, Planck time is used primarily in theoretical physics, particularly in quantum gravity and string theory. It provides a framework for understanding the limits of time measurement and the behavior of particles at the quantum level. Researchers utilize Planck time to explore fundamental questions about the universe, such as the nature of spacetime, black holes, and the dynamics of early cosmic events. Even though it is not directly measured in practical applications, it serves as a crucial theoretical benchmark in scientific literature.
Fun Fact
Planck time is so small that it is about 10^20 times shorter than a billionth of a second.
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📐Conversion Formula
= × 1.00000How to Convert
To convert to , multiply the value by 1.00000. This conversion factor represents the ratio between these two units.
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💡 Pro Tip: For the reverse conversion ( → ), divide by the conversion factor instead of multiplying.
Second of Arc
angle • Non-SI
Definition
A second of arc, also known as an arcsecond, is a unit of angular measurement that is equal to 1/3600 of a degree or 1/60 of an arcminute. It is used primarily in fields that require precise angular measurement, such as astronomy, navigation, and mapping. An arcsecond is a small unit, reflecting the requirement for high precision in measurements of celestial objects and angles on the Earth's surface. The notation for a second of arc is usually represented by a double prime symbol ("), following the degree and arcminute symbols.
History & Origin
The concept of dividing a circle into degrees and further into minutes and seconds dates back to ancient Babylonian astronomers, who used a sexagesimal (base-60) number system. The division of a degree into 60 parts, known as minutes, and each minute into 60 parts, known as seconds, allowed for more precise measurement and calculation of angles in the study of celestial bodies. This system became widespread with the work of Greek and later Islamic scholars, who advanced astronomical knowledge and navigation.
Etymology: The term 'second' in this context comes from the Latin 'secunda', meaning 'second division' or 'second order', referring to its place in the hierarchical division of degrees.
Current Use
Today, the second of arc is indispensable in astronomy for measuring the positions and movements of celestial objects with high precision. It is also used in geodesy and cartography to define the precise angular relationships between points on the Earth. Additionally, arcseconds are employed in the calibration of telescopes and other optical instruments where small angular measurements are critical.
💡 Fun Facts
- •An arcsecond is roughly the angle subtended by a U.S. dime at a distance of 2.4 miles.
- •The Hubble Space Telescope can resolve images with an angular resolution of about 0.05 arcseconds.
- •In one parsec, which is a unit of astronomical distance, a star would have a parallax angle of one arcsecond.
📏 Real-World Examples
🔗 Related Units
Planck Time
time • Non-SI
Definition
Planck time, denoted as tₚ, is the time interval that corresponds to the time it takes for light to travel a distance of one Planck length in a vacuum. It is derived from fundamental constants in physics, specifically the speed of light, gravitational constant, and Planck's constant. Mathematically, it is defined as tₚ = √(ħG/c^5), where ħ is the reduced Planck constant, G is the gravitational constant, and c is the speed of light. This extremely small unit of time is approximately 5.39 × 10⁻⁴⁴ seconds, making it the smallest measurable unit of time in the universe, thus playing a critical role in quantum mechanics and cosmology.
History & Origin
The concept of Planck time was introduced by physicist Max Planck in 1899 as part of his formulation of quantum theory. He established a set of natural units, which included length, mass, and time, based on fundamental physical constants. Planck's work aimed to provide a more fundamental understanding of physical phenomena at the atomic and subatomic levels, which classical physics struggled to explain. Planck time emerged as a crucial marker in theoretical physics for understanding the time scale of quantum gravitational effects.
Etymology: The term 'Planck' is derived from the name of Max Planck, a German physicist who is considered the father of quantum theory.
Current Use
Today, Planck time is used primarily in theoretical physics, particularly in quantum gravity and string theory. It provides a framework for understanding the limits of time measurement and the behavior of particles at the quantum level. Researchers utilize Planck time to explore fundamental questions about the universe, such as the nature of spacetime, black holes, and the dynamics of early cosmic events. Even though it is not directly measured in practical applications, it serves as a crucial theoretical benchmark in scientific literature.
💡 Fun Facts
- •Planck time is so small that it is about 10^20 times shorter than a billionth of a second.
- •If you were to count seconds, it would take longer than the age of the universe to count to one Planck time.
- •At distances smaller than the Planck length, the very fabric of spacetime is theorized to become 'quantized'.
📏 Real-World Examples
🔗 Related Units
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Frequently Asked Questions
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To convert to , multiply your value by 1. For example, 10 equals 10 .
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