Question 1

What is a fathom?

Accepted Answer

A fathom is 6 feet (1.8288 m), originally the span of outstretched arms. Used primarily for measuring water depth in navigation.

Question 2

Why are fathoms used for depth?

Accepted Answer

Sailors measured depth by dropping a weighted line, counting arm spans as they pulled it up. 1 fathom = 2 yards = 6 feet.

Question 3

Is this conversion factor exact?

Accepted Answer

Metric-to-metric conversions are exact (1 km = 1000 m). Imperial-to-metric factors like 1 inch = 2.54 cm are exact by international agreement.

Question 4

Why do some countries use different units?

Accepted Answer

Historical reasons - the metric system spread from France after 1795. The US, UK, and a few others retained older systems. Science uses metric worldwide.

Fathoms to Feet Distance Converter - Free Online Tool

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