Getting the average velocity from a parabolic curve

AI Thread Summary
To find the average velocity of a ball accelerating down a ramp, the total displacement must be divided by the total time. The ball travels 2 meters in 4 seconds, leading to an average velocity of 0.5 m/s. The discussion highlights confusion regarding the impact of a parabolic curve on calculating average velocity, clarifying that the shape of the curve does not affect the average velocity calculation. The user initially thought the problem might be asking for average acceleration instead. Ultimately, the focus remains on the straightforward calculation of average velocity based on displacement and time.
theLHC
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Homework Statement



A ball accelerates steadily down a ramp, starting from rest. It goes 2m in 4s.
What is the average velocity?

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, i didnt attempt it because i didnt get it
i am thinking there is a typo and it is actually asking for the average acceleration, which i know how to do

here it is:

v1=0m/s
v2=x
d=2m
a=0.5m/s2
t=4s

so here is what i have

Aav= (P2-P1)/(t)
= (0-x)/(4)

now, i cannot go any furthur...
 
Last edited:
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It's asking for average velocity. Average velocity is total displacement over total time. It's not that hard.
 
Dick said:
It's asking for average velocity. Average velocity is total displacement over total time. It's not that hard.
i know that but the graph has a parabolic curve
so how do you derive the average velocity of a moving object from a parabolic curve?
 
Look up the definition of average velocity. Does the shape of the curve matter?
 
nvm
i was mistaken
sorry 4 the problem
:P
 

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