In \(2008,\) Australian Emma Snowsill set an unofficial record in the women's Olympic triathlon, completing the 1.5 -km swim, \(40-\mathrm{km}\) bicycle ride, and \(10-\mathrm{km}\) run in \(1 \mathrm{h}, 58 \mathrm{min}, 27.66 \mathrm{s} .\) What was her average speed?

Physics problem solving often involves a systematic approach to break down complex scenarios into manageable pieces. In the case of calculating average speed, the problem starts by clearly identifying the variables involved, such as distance and time. The next step is ensuring that all measurements are expressed in compatible units to perform accurate calculations. Here, we comply with the problem-solving procedure by first converting all distances covered by Emma Snowsill into kilometers, and then converting the total time taken into hours only.

Once the initial step of organizing data is accomplished, problem solving in physics also requires familiarity with relevant formulas and principles, such as the speed formula in this case. It's crucial to not only apply these formulas correctly but also to understand the meaning behind each term, such as 'average speed' in the context of constant acceleration or varied velocity. Through this exercise, students get to apply their theoretical knowledge to a real-world scenario, enhancing their problem-solving skills and conceptual understanding.

Unit conversion is a fundamental skill in both physics and everyday life. It allows for coherent comparisons and calculations when different measurement systems are encountered. In our exercise, all distances were conveniently already in kilometers, the standard unit for such calculations. However, the challenge lay in converting time, which was initially given in hours, minutes, and seconds, into a single unit - hours.

To convert minutes to hours, one divides the number of minutes by 60, since there are 60 minutes in an hour. Similarly, to convert seconds to hours, one divides the number of seconds by 3600 (60 minutes times 60 seconds). By performing these conversions meticulously, we avoid errors in our final calculations and ensure accuracy in the answer. Learning to convert units seamlessly is not just crucial for solving physics problems, but also beneficial for tasks that involve measurements, such as cooking or traveling.

Understanding the speed formula is vital in solving a wide range of physics problems. The average speed is calculated using the formula \( \text{Speed} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}} \), which articulates that speed is equal to the total distance traveled divided by the total time taken to travel that distance. In Emma Snowsill's case, we calculate her average speed by dividing her total distance of 51.5 kilometers by the converted time in hours (approximately 1.97435 hours).

The average speed, obtained as 26.1 km/hr, is a scalar quantity meaning it does not account for direction, unlike velocity which is a vector quantity. This concept is foundational in understanding motion and how different factors such as distance and time interplay to define an object's speed. By thoroughly grasping the speed formula, students can accurately dissect and solve a multitude of practical problems in physics and various applied fields.