I with this question on velocity/displacement

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a question related to velocity and displacement, specifically how to calculate velocity when displacement is involved. The original poster has provided a speed calculation but is struggling with the concept of velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how to determine velocity from displacement and time, expressing uncertainty about calculating displacement. Some participants clarify that velocity requires both speed and direction, while others suggest that displacement is the distance in a specific direction.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the definitions and relationships between speed, velocity, and displacement. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need for direction in velocity and the nature of displacement, but no consensus has been reached on the specific calculations needed.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has a deadline for this homework assignment and has indicated a need for further clarification if required. There is a suggestion that familiarity with vectors may simplify the problem, but it is unclear if the original poster has that background.

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Homework Statement



http://www.isarapix.org/pix8/1233492541.png

Homework Equations



velocity = displacement / time taken

The Attempt at a Solution



I found out the answer to speed but not velocity because I honestly do not know how to do it.

The answer to speed is 1.05 meters per second. and the distance from a - c is 316meters.------

Help would greatly appreciated since this is due tomorrow morning. If you need any more information or need me to be clearer, please let me know.
 
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Velocity is a speed in a particular direction. You just need to specify the direction. For example, how many degrees north of east?
 
But I'm not sure what or how to figure out displacement. If the equation to velocity is "velocity = displacement/time taken" then I'll need to know the displacement to answer the question.

Thanks.
 
Think of displacement as distance in a particular direction. In your problem, the displacement vector would be depicted as an arrow going from A to C. You already know its length; all you need is its direction.
 
Question: Have you ever worked with Vectors before? Because that would render this entire exercise rather trivial.
 

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