Distance Traveled & Average Speed

In summary, the problem involves a driver maintaining a constant speed of 30.0 m/s for 55 minutes, then slowing down to 10 m/s for 5 minutes. The total distance traveled and average speed for the trip need to be determined. The relevant equation is a = v-v0/t and the total distance traveled can be found by multiplying the speed of travel by the time traveled. To find the average speed, the distances traveled in each part must be added and then divided by 2.
  • #1
dgsigala
4
0

Homework Statement



A driver maintains a steady speed of 30.0 m/s for 55 min and then slows to 10 m/s for the next 5 mins. Determine the the total distance traveled and the average speed for the trip.


Homework Equations



a = v−v0/t



The Attempt at a Solution



a = 30 - 10 / 60 = .333

Please help me, haven't taken physics in a long time. Review for class.
 
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  • #2
distance traveled = (speed of travel)*(time traveled)

if you change speeds, you can break the problem into two parts, so you'd do the above equation for each part. Can you guess how you'd find the total distance traveled from the two parts?
 
  • #3
find the average: add them up and divide by 2?
 
  • #4
no, not quite. Start with the total distance first.
 
  • #5
40 m/s? Sorry. I'm really confused.
 
  • #6
What do you get for the distance traveled in each part?
 

1. How is distance traveled measured?

Distance traveled is measured by calculating the total length of the path traveled by an object. This can be done by measuring the displacement of the object from its starting point to its ending point, or by using a measuring tool such as a ruler, odometer, or GPS.

2. What is the difference between distance and displacement?

Distance refers to the total length of the path traveled, regardless of direction. Displacement, on the other hand, refers to the shortest distance between the starting point and the ending point, taking into account direction. In other words, displacement is the distance between the starting and ending points in a straight line.

3. How is average speed calculated?

Average speed is calculated by dividing the total distance traveled by the total time taken to travel that distance. The formula for average speed is: Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time.

4. Can average speed be greater than the maximum speed?

No, average speed cannot be greater than the maximum speed. Average speed is the total distance traveled divided by the total time taken, while maximum speed is the highest speed achieved during the entire journey. Since average speed takes into account the entire journey, it cannot exceed the maximum speed.

5. How does constant speed affect distance traveled?

If an object is traveling at a constant speed, the distance traveled will increase linearly with time. This means that the distance traveled will be proportional to the time elapsed, and the object will cover the same distance in the same amount of time regardless of when it started. For example, if an object travels at a constant speed of 50 miles per hour, it will travel 50 miles in 1 hour, 100 miles in 2 hours, and so on.

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