Average speed, and total distance traveled

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SUMMARY

Sally's trip involves driving for three segments: 30 minutes at 80 km/h, 12 minutes at 105 km/h, and 45 minutes at 40 km/h, with an additional 15 minutes for breaks. The average speed for the trip is calculated as 53.5 km/h, while the total distance traveled is 91 km. To arrive at these results, it is essential to convert all time measurements from minutes to hours and apply the formula for average speed (Vavg = total distance/time).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts related to speed and distance
  • Ability to convert time units from minutes to hours
  • Familiarity with the formula for average speed (Vavg = total distance/time)
  • Basic arithmetic skills for calculations involving speed and distance
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to convert time units effectively in physics problems
  • Explore the concept of average speed versus instantaneous speed
  • Study the relationship between speed, distance, and time in more complex scenarios
  • Practice solving similar problems involving multiple segments of travel
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of average speed and distance calculations.

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Homework Statement


Sally travels by care from on city to another. She drives for 30.0 min at 80.0 km/h, 12.0 min at 105 km/h, and 45.0 min at 40. km/h, and she spends 15.0 min eating lunch and buying gas.
a.) Determine the average speed for the trip.
b.) Determine the total disance traveled.

Homework Equations



Vavg= total distance/time
Vavg=change in displacement/time

The Attempt at a Solution


a.) is 53.5, and b.) is 91 but I am not sure how to get them.
My friend was trying to explain it to me, and said to turn all the minutes into hours and multiple them by the speeds. I did that and got 91, but I am not sure why i had to do that.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
what are the units of 53.5? Give units in your answers.
 
a.) is km/h and b.) is km, i figured it out though.
 

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