Question

The meter is defined as the distance traveled by light in 1/299792458 seconds? why didn't people choose some easier number than 1/300000000 seconds? why not 1 second?

Answer 1

1. The actual value of the velocity of light is 299792458 meters per second. As it is a very large number, we take it to be approximately equal to 3×${10}^8$ meters per second for problems and questions.
2. So when we are saying the definition of 1 meter, we are saying that it is the distance traveled by light in $\frac{1}{299792458}$ m/s.
3. Now Why not 1 sec? It is because, in one second, light travels approximately 3 lakh km so when we are saying the definition of light, it must be said as in the question and when saying a definition, the approximate value should not be taken and the exact value should be taken.

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