You are told the spacecraft to the right must accelerate at the rate of 2.15×10⁵ miles per hour squared (mi/h²) to dock with the space station. The simulation, however, only accepts values in meters per second squared (m/s²), and it does not use scientific notation. You need to convert the units and then enter the value into the simulation to the right.

If you correctly convert the units and enter that value into the simulation, the spacecraft docks. If you enter an incorrect value, you may view a collision.

Click on the graphic to the right to start the simulation. Enter the converted value for the acceleration to the nearest 0.1 m/s². Press GO to make the spacecraft fly. Press RESET if you need to try again. (If you think a positive acceleration should cause the spacecraft to move faster, you will learn why this is not the case shortly.)

If you find this problem challenging, review the sections on converting units and scientific notation.