Distance and Speed: Calculate Avg Speed for 80km at 100 km/h & 50km at 75 km/h

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In summary, the motorist traveled a total distance of 130 km (80 km + 50 km) in a total time of 1.5 hours (0.8 hours + 0.67 hours). Using the formula v_avg = d/t, we can calculate the average speed for the trip to be approximately 86.67 km/h. It is important to note that this is an approximation and may not be entirely accurate due to rounding of the given values.
  • #1
AKsamantha
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Homework Statement



A mortorist travels 80km at 100 km/h, and 50 km at 75 km/h. WHat is the average speed for the trip?

Homework Equations


I used (avg)s=distance/time


The Attempt at a Solution


I got 6.2 km/h which I know is way off.
 
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  • #2
It's a good first step to realize that your answer is not terribly realistic.

I believe you have the right equation. The average speed is: d/t. What is the total distance travel (d=?)? The little trick will be to find out how long it took the motorist to travel this distance (t=?)?

Cheers
 
  • #3
[tex]v_{avg}=\frac{\Delta x }{\Delta t}[/tex]
Find how far it travels in part one and add that to how far it travels in trip 2. And do the same for t.
 

1. How do you calculate average speed?

To calculate average speed, you divide the total distance traveled by the total time it took to travel that distance. In this case, the total distance is 80km + 50km = 130km and the total time is (80km/100 km/h) + (50km/75 km/h) = 0.8 hours + 0.67 hours = 1.47 hours. Therefore, the average speed is 130km/1.47 hours = 88.4 km/h.

2. Why is average speed important?

Average speed is important because it gives us an overall understanding of how fast an object is moving over a certain distance. It allows us to compare the speeds of different objects and determine which one is faster or slower.

3. What is the difference between speed and average speed?

Speed refers to the rate at which an object is moving at a specific moment in time, while average speed is the overall rate at which an object has moved over a certain distance. Speed can vary, while average speed remains constant over the entire distance traveled.

4. Can average speed be negative?

No, average speed cannot be negative. Speed is a scalar quantity, meaning it only has magnitude (size) and no direction. Therefore, it cannot have a negative value. If an object is moving in the opposite direction, its speed would be represented by a negative value, but average speed would still be positive.

5. What units are used to measure speed?

The standard units used to measure speed are distance per time, such as km/h (kilometers per hour), m/s (meters per second), or mph (miles per hour). However, other units like feet per second or kilometers per minute can also be used.

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