SUMMARY
The average speed of a particle, defined by the position function x = (6 m/s)t + (-2 m/s²)t², is calculated using the formula average speed = Δx/Δt. Evaluating the position at t = 0 s and t = 1 s yields an average speed of 4 m/s over the interval. To plot the position versus time from t = 0 to t = 2 s, one should create a table of values for x(t) and plot these points with time on the x-axis and position on the y-axis.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of kinematics and motion equations
- Familiarity with the concept of average speed
- Basic skills in graphing functions
- Knowledge of polynomial functions and their properties
NEXT STEPS
- Learn how to derive position functions from velocity equations
- Explore the concept of instantaneous speed versus average speed
- Study graphing techniques for quadratic functions
- Investigate the use of calculus in motion analysis
USEFUL FOR
Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics, as well as educators looking for examples of motion equations and graphing techniques.