Average speed that you observe for the button as it falls

In summary, the average speed observed for the button as it falls to the ground is 0.60 m/s. However, this answer is incorrect and the correct answer is 2.5 m/s. This discrepancy may be due to the lack of consideration for the movement in the y direction, as this is a 1-D problem. To accurately calculate the average speed, the formula v_avg = (int _0 ^T [v_x^2(t) + v_y^2(t)]^{1/2}dt )/T should be used.
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You are at an airport watching people go by on a "people mover" conveyer belt that moves at a constant speed of 0.60m/s. As a person goes by, they drop a button from a height of 1.2m. What is the average speed that you observe for the button as it falls to the ground?

well i have:
x=1.2m
v=0.60 m/s
a = 0

so i'll use this formula:

V^2=v(0)^2 +2a(x-x(0))

well a is 0 so the right side cancels to zero.

and v(0) = 0.60

so that means the answer is 0.60m/s, but it's incorrectly. the answer should be 2.5m/s. can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong?
 
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  • #2
Where's the movement in the y direction?
 
  • #3
that's the whole question. what do you mean by in the y direction? isn't this just a 1-D problem?
 
  • #4
[tex]v_{avg} = \frac {\int _0 ^T [v_x^2(t) + v_y^2(t)]^{1/2}dt }{T} [/tex]
 

1. What is the average speed of the button as it falls?

The average speed of the button as it falls is the total distance the button falls divided by the time it takes to fall. This can be calculated using the equation average speed = (final velocity - initial velocity)/time.

2. How do you measure the average speed of the falling button?

The average speed of the falling button can be measured by recording the time it takes for the button to fall from a certain height and measuring the distance it falls. This data can then be used to calculate the average speed using the equation mentioned in the previous answer.

3. Does the weight of the button affect its average falling speed?

Yes, the weight of the button does affect its average falling speed. Objects with a greater weight will experience a greater force of gravity and therefore fall faster than lighter objects. This means that a heavier button will have a higher average falling speed than a lighter button.

4. How does air resistance impact the average falling speed of the button?

Air resistance can have a significant impact on the average falling speed of the button. As the button falls, it will experience air resistance which will slow it down. This means that the average falling speed of the button will be lower than the theoretical value calculated without taking air resistance into account.

5. Can the average falling speed of the button change during its fall?

Yes, the average falling speed of the button can change during its fall. This can happen if there are external factors such as a change in air resistance or a change in the force of gravity acting on the button. However, if these factors remain constant, the average falling speed of the button should remain consistent.

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