Physics average velocity problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving average velocity in a physics context, specifically focusing on a scenario where a runner travels between a house, a lamp post, and a tree, with given time intervals for each segment of the run.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express confusion over the units of measurement, questioning the conversion of time intervals from minutes to yards per second. There are attempts to calculate average velocities, with some participants reporting unrealistic results. Others suggest drawing diagrams to clarify the problem setup and distances involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing various interpretations of the problem and attempting to reconcile their calculations with the expected outcomes. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need for diagrams and careful consideration of the runner's path, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of working with multiple segments of the run and the potential for misunderstanding the problem's requirements. There is mention of imposed time constraints, adding to the pressure of finding a solution before class.

oldunion
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Larry leaves home at 9:0 3.00 and runs at constant speed to the lamp post. He reaches the lamppost at 9:0 9.00, immediately turns, and runs to the tree. Larry arrives at the tree at 9: 12.0 0.

from 0-1200 yds. the lightpost is at 200, house at 600 and the tree at 1200

i keep getting absurd numbers like 155.55 yd/s, they want the answer in minutes. And unless larry is a jet that's not going to happen. Ill be up all night because I am lost in space :-p
 
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If i may ask,how on Earth & Milky Way did u get yards/second,when u're given time intervals in minutes??

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
If i may ask,how on Earth & Milky Way did u get yards/second,when u're given time intervals in minutes??

Daniel.

because when I am thinking very hard i could mistake orange for black. Youre right it is in minutes. i got two realistic answers of 200yds/min and 155.55yds/min. both incorrect. i know the formula for ave velocity but still lost. 4 hours left till class, someone please
 
U need to draw a diagram.The first number is simple...Roughly 33yd/minute.For the second u need to take into account that he turns back to the house andthen goes to the tree to p**... :-p

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
U need to draw a diagram.The first number is simple...Roughly 33yd/minute.For the second u need to take into account that he turns back to the house andthen goes to the tree to p**... :-p

Daniel.
yes, 33 plus 66 (from light to tree) this would be 99.99. wrong. well by this time I've already guess wrong about 7 times, which proves the ole creed "you never lose if you keep trying" completely defunct as my score is now laughably low. inches from giving up. mastering physics is the devil
 
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redraw where things are mate
the guy running (both times) apparently increases his speed by a factor of 5 (which is really weird) in running from the lamp to the tree
 
no velocity is constant. this is the 2nd chapter of my physics book so its supposed to be easy. and i know for a fact the velocity is constant. and diagrams, i have 3 pages of scribbles. something about physics just never sat right with me.
 
the answer was 66.7, no credit. :frown:
 

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