How Do You Calculate a Car's Average Velocity?

Click For Summary
To calculate a car's average velocity, the formula used is the change in displacement divided by the change in time. In this case, the car travels 20 meters in 14 seconds, so the average velocity is 20 meters divided by 14 seconds, resulting in approximately 1.43 m/s. The confusion arises from whether to consider initial and final velocities, but for average velocity, the simple division suffices. Average velocity is defined as the total displacement over total time taken. Therefore, the average velocity for the car is 1.43 m/s to the left.
ariloz
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A car starting from rest accelerates to the left. It takes 14 seconds to travel a distance of 20 meters. What is the car's average velocity?

I'm really confused by this question I'm not sure whether to use change in displament divided by change in time or (Velocity Initial + Velocity Final)/2?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
I just need to know what formula to use. Do you just divide 20 by 14 or do you do 1/2 times 0 + (whatever 20 divided by 14 is). So in other words...is 20/14 the average velocity or final velocity?
 
What is the definition of average velocity?
 

Thread 'Magnitude of buoyant force in fluids of different densities'

The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?
View full post »

Similar threads

Calculating Average Velocity for a Multi-Segment Trip
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Runner's Average Velocity: 0.014 m/s
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
What is the displacement and average velocity of a classic car in a road rally?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Calculate average speed/acceleration for the given function
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Kinematics: Motion in One Direction: Car Chase
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Conceptual problem in average/instantaneous velocity
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Not exactly a homework issue - just trying to find a formula
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
How do you work out average acceleration without time?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
Condition for Instantaneous Acceleration = Average Acceleration
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
How to calculate the average velocity?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K