Calculating Edith's Average Velocity in a Relay Race

AI Thread Summary
Edith's average velocity in the relay race is calculated by considering her displacement and total time. Although she runs a total distance of 49.6 meters, her displacement is zero since she returns to the starting point. The average velocity is therefore zero, as it is defined as displacement divided by total time. The confusion arises from misapplying the formula for average speed instead of average velocity. This highlights the importance of understanding the distinction between these two concepts in physics.
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In a relay race, each contestant runs a distance 24.8m while carrying an egg balanced on a spoon, turns around, and comes back to the starting point. Edith runs the first distance 24.8m in a time t1=19.3s . On the return trip she is more confident and takes only t2=time 15.1s .

What is her average velocity for the entire round trip?

ok this question seems so easy, but i cannot get the right answer, which is really bugging me.

(24.8+24.8)m/(19.3/15.1)s = 1.44m/s

can someone help?
 
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Why do you think that's wrong ? It looks fine to me...
 
it's wrong...well for our college, we submit our answers to an automated sort of server and it checks your answer.
 
Last edited:
this is a trick question. the average velocity is the displacement over the time. the displacement is zero because she is back where she started. i think you should protest.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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