Convert 20 km to nm

Converting kilometers to nautical miles is a common task for navigators and those involved in maritime activities. In this post, we will explore how to convert 20 kilometers to nautical miles easily.

km Definition

Kilometer (km) is a metric unit of length equal to 1,000 meters. It is widely used around the world to measure distances on land, such as the distance between cities, in road signage, and in various scientific contexts.

nm Definition

Nautical mile (nm) is a unit of measurement used primarily in maritime and air navigation. One nautical mile is defined as one minute of latitude and is equivalent to approximately 1.852 kilometers. Nautical miles are essential for navigation over bodies of water because they provide a consistent way to measure distances based on the curvature of the Earth.

How to Convert 20 km to nm

To convert kilometers to nautical miles, you can use the following formula:

[ text{Nautical Miles} = frac{text{Kilometers}}{1.852} ]

For 20 kilometers, the calculation would be:

[ text{Nautical Miles} = frac{20}{1.852} approx 10.80 , text{nm} ]

So, 20 kilometers is approximately 10.80 nautical miles.

FAQs

What is the relationship between kilometers and nautical miles?

The relationship is based on the Earth is circumference, where one nautical mile is approximately equal to 1.852 kilometers.

Why are nautical miles used in navigation?

Nautical miles are used because they relate directly to the Earth is geometry, making them more suitable for navigation over long distances on the ocean.

How can I convert kilometers to nautical miles without a calculator?

You can use the conversion factor of 1 nm = 1.852 km. To estimate, you can divide the number of kilometers by 1.85 for a rough conversion.