Comparing 1000m Race Velocities: Runner 1 vs Runner 2

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a comparison of velocities between two runners in a 1000m race, where the original poster calculates average velocities and questions the implications of track length differences on their performance. The context involves analyzing whether runner 1 is indeed faster than runner 2, given potential discrepancies in track lengths.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of equal average speeds and question the fairness of the race based on track lengths. Some suggest that the problem may be poorly stated, leading to confusion about the measurements and assumptions regarding track lengths.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants have offered insights into how to approach the problem mathematically, while others express confusion about the assumptions made regarding track lengths and runner speeds.

Contextual Notes

There are constraints regarding the precision of time measurements and the assumption that both runners may not have run exactly 1000m. Participants are questioning the validity of the original calculations and the implications of track length differences on the conclusion of who is faster.

  • #31
jbriggs444 said:
You may be over-thinking this.
Isn’t this what physics is about😨?
We are overthinker and that’s a hurdle in solving simple problems.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Steve4Physics
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
rudransh verma said:
Isn’t this what physics is about😨?
We are overthinker and that’s a hurdle in solving simple problems.
Just to clarify something (if clarification is needed)…

My post #28 (about the possibility that the tracks are in different inertial frames of reference) was supposed to be a joke! (Well, I thought it was funny.)

It was intended to be a humorous illustration of what happens when overthinking goes too far. But maybe it failed!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
10K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
2K