How Do You Calculate Average Speed from Displacement-Time Data?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating average speed using displacement-time data for an object launched vertically upwards. Participants are examining the relationship between displacement and time, as well as the implications of using a line of best fit for the data provided.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are discussing the calculation of average speed based on given displacement values and questioning the validity of the line of best fit used in the calculations. There is also a focus on the distinction between speed and velocity, particularly in relation to negative values.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and questioning the assumptions made in the calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of speed versus displacement, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with specific data points and are required to adhere to homework constraints, which may limit the information available for calculations. The distinction between distance and displacement is also under consideration.

CedarPointer
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Homework Statement


Use the data table of displacement time data to get a line of best fit using your Ti-83 calculator. Once you have the equation, graph it so that you can answer the questions 1-5 that follow. Assume that the data below is for an object that is launched vertically upwards.

Time (sec) Displacment (m)
0 9.3
.5 15.075
1.0 18.8
1.5 20.475
2.0 20.1

Using the information above, calculate the average speed for the object from 0.75 sec to 2.9 sec.



Homework Equations


I've tried using the distance divided by time, but that hasn't worked, so I think the equation is actually where my problem is. The one I've tried mainly is average speed=change in distance/change in time


The Attempt at a Solution


Time Displacement
.75 17.193
2.9 14.259

AS=(14.259-17.193)/(2.9-.75)
AS= -1.36
Which isn't right.

Thanks!
 
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I think your calculation is correct. So maybe there is something wrong with using the calculator's line of best fit as a model for the displacement against time?
 
I think the calculation might be wrong since -1.36 was correct as the answer for average velocity.
 
This hint might help: Speed can never be negative. You need to know the distance (not displacement) traveled during the time interval.

p.s. Would your username be a reference to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio?
 

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