I'm really lost with average velocity and displacement

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating displacement using average velocity in a physics context. The original poster, Heather, is confused about the discrepancy between her calculated displacement and the textbook's answer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Heather attempts to apply the formula for displacement using average velocity and time but encounters a unit conversion issue. Other participants suggest checking unit consistency and converting time from minutes to seconds.

Discussion Status

The discussion is progressing with participants providing guidance on unit conversion. Heather seems to be moving towards a resolution after receiving clarification on the time units.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on ensuring proper unit conversion, as Heather initially used minutes instead of seconds, which affected her calculation of displacement.

totalanarchy
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Homework Statement


Heather and Matthew walk with an average velocity of 0.98m/s eastward. If it takes them 34 min to walk to the store, what is their displacement?

Homework Equations


V avg = Δxt (since I'm looking for the displacement I changed it to) Δx=V avgΔt

The Attempt at a Solution


Δx=VavgΔt=(0.98 m/s)(34min)=33.32m East

When I looked at the back of the textbook it said 2.00km East, how did they get that number?
 
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You should check your units. Make sure everything is canceling out correctly.
 
I don't get that. Sorry I just started physics. I was following an example from the textbook, and I understood that. But, the questions aren't making any since. I'm starting to pull my hair trying to get the right answer.
 
You have the right equation. As localrob has noted, check your units for the time taken. You have the time in minutes, but you should denote the time in units of ______?____.
 
In units of seconds right. So would I have to covert 34 minutes to seconds?
 
totalanarchy said:
In units of seconds right. So would I have to covert 34 minutes to seconds?
Sure...(m/sec)(sec) = m
 
Thanks I got it!

Δx=(0.98m/s)(34 min * 60 sec/min)
which gives me 1,999.2/1000 = 1.9 or 2.0km
 

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