Avg Velocity Avg speed question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the distance a car travels during a brief period of time while sneezing, specifically at a speed of 90 km/h for 0.50 seconds. The correct approach involves converting the speed from kilometers per hour to meters per second, resulting in a distance of 12.5 meters. The conversation clarifies that this scenario involves constant speed and velocity, emphasizing the importance of unit compatibility in physics calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as speed and velocity
  • Ability to perform unit conversions (e.g., km/h to m/s)
  • Familiarity with the formula for distance: distance = speed × time
  • Basic knowledge of time measurement in seconds
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about unit conversion techniques, specifically for speed measurements
  • Study the differences between average speed and average velocity in physics
  • Explore real-world applications of distance, speed, and time calculations
  • Practice solving problems involving constant speed and distance calculations
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students studying physics, educators teaching motion concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the relationship between speed, time, and distance in practical scenarios.

vysero
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During a hard sneeze, your eyes might shut for 0.50 s. If you are driving a car at 90 km/h during such a sneeze, how far does the car move during that time.

Here is where I am having problems. I am not sure what I should be doing. So I was hoping someone could get me started. Is this an avg speed or an avg velocity question? Please give me some tips on how to figure out what these kind of equations are asking of me. For some reason I am having trouble starting.

This seems like a conversion question...
 
Last edited:
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Sorry I even asked I knew it wasn't a avg speed or avg velocity question I got frightened to early I figured it out to be 12.5m!

Sorry I posted!
 
The car is moving at constant velocity and constant speed. The distance it travels in a time t and at a constant speed v is given by a simple equation. But yes, first you need to convert the speed to a compatible unit (like m/s) to be consistent with the unit of time which is given in seconds.

Sorry I answered. You got it right.
 
Last edited:

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