Convert knot to kilometer/second

knot

Definition: A knot (symbol: kn or kt) is a non-SI unit of speed at sea. It is defined as one nautical mile per hour, where a nautical mile is 1,852 meters. A knot is equal to 1.852 kilometers per hour and 1.15078 miles per hour.

History/origin: The term "knot" is derived from its former use as a measure on the log lines on ship logs (a navigation tool) which were used to measure ship speed through water. Knots would be tied into the rope on these lines at uniform intervals of approximately 47 feet, or 14.3 meters long. The knot has had various definitions throughout history. The United States and United Kingdom in particular used their own specific nautical miles up until 1954 and 1970 respectively. The US nautical mile is defined as 1,853.248 m while the UK Admiralty nautical mile is equal to 1853.184 m, compared to the international nautical mile of 1,852 m.

Current use: The knot is used worldwide in meteorology as well as in maritime and air navigation as a measure of speed of a vessel relative to the fluids in which they travel. Tidal streams, river currents, and wind speeds are also measured using knots.

kilometer/second

Definition: Kilometer/second is a measure of speed or the magnitude of velocity. For conversion purposes, its value is 1000 times the reference unit, meter/second.