answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

It originated in reference to the knots sailors tied in the rope used to measure the distance a ship travled.

E2020's answer

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Where did the use of the term knots to measure the speed of a ship originate?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

How did the system of measuring speed by knots work. answer for 5th graders?

Sailors in the past used a rope with knots tied on it to measure speed. They would throw the rope overboard from a moving ship and count how many knots passed through their hands in a certain amount of time. This helped them estimate how fast the ship was moving in knots.


What is the speed in meters per second of a ship traveling at twenty knots?

10.2888888 is the speed in meters per second of a ship traveling at 20 knots.


What is the unit in which the speed of ship is measured?

In knots.


Does cruise ship travel faster than a car?

No. Cruise ship speed is usually measured in knots - as in 20 knots top speed. To go 20 knots/hour is about like going 22 mph.


Why is ship's speed measure in 'knots'?

The term comes from the way people measured the speed that the boat was traveling at. They would have a slender rope with knots on at regular intervals, and something to create drag at the end. Then they'd throw the rope overboard and count the number of knots that were pulled out in a certain amount of time.


Is the speed of 22 knots in a ship dangerous?

Depending on the type of ship/boat it can be a perfectly safe speed. most modern container ships travel around at 20 - 23 knots.


If your speed is measured in 10 knots you are riding a?

boat or ship.


How fast did a spanish ship go in 1520's?

4 knots top speed was 8 knots


What is the average speed of an ocean going freighter?

Cruising speed (best balance of speed and efficiency ) is normally about 10 knots, top speed around 29 knots. Actual speeds varies from ship to ship depending of hull design and propulsion systems.10 knots = 18.52 kilometers per hourCheers


How to measure ship speed?

Ship speed can be measured using a device called a pitot tube, which calculates the speed by measuring the difference in pressure between the ship's bow and stern. Another method is using Doppler log equipment, which measures the speed by bouncing sound waves off the seabed. GPS technology can also be used to determine the ship's speed accurately.


What is the average speed of a ship per hour in kilometre?

It is measured in knots.


How fast in knots did a caravel ship go?

Usual cruising speed was around 4 or 5 knots. Top speed was about 8. Remember that the speed varies according to the wind.