Kinematics - velocity of golfer

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving two kinematics problems involving a golfer and a sprinter. In the first problem, the golfer travels 90 meters in a golf cart at 3.10 m/s for 29 seconds and then walks at 1.20 m/s, requiring the calculation of walking time to achieve an average speed of 2.10 m/s for the entire trip. The second problem involves a sprinter accelerating at +3.5 m/s² for 1.2 seconds, with the need to determine her velocity at that time and at the end of the race when acceleration drops to zero. Key equations include average velocity and average acceleration formulas.

PREREQUISITES
  • Kinematics concepts including distance, speed, and acceleration
  • Understanding of average speed and average acceleration calculations
  • Proficiency in algebraic manipulation to solve equations
  • Familiarity with basic physics principles related to motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of average speed in multi-segment motion scenarios
  • Learn about kinematic equations for uniformly accelerated motion
  • Explore the effects of acceleration on velocity in real-world scenarios
  • Practice solving problems involving distance, speed, and time relationships
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding kinematics, particularly in solving real-world motion problems involving varying speeds and accelerations.

RKNY
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Problem 1

Homework Statement


A golfer rides in a golf cart at a speed of 3.10 m/s for 29.0 s. She then gets out of the cart and starts walking at an average speed of 1.20 m/s. For how long (in seconds) must she walk if her average speed for the entire trip, riding and walking, is 2.10 m/s?


Homework Equations


time = distance x avg. speed


The Attempt at a Solution


Taking the distance traveled from the riding -
3.10 m/s x 29.0 s = 90 m
Tried numerous ways such as taking another 90m and using the 1.20 as a given



Problem 2

Homework Statement


A sprinter explodes out of the starting block with an acceleration of +3.5 m/s2, which she sustains for 1.2 s. Then, her acceleration drops to zero for the rest of the race.

(a) What is her velocity at t = 1.2 s.
(b) What is her velocity at the end of the race?

Homework Equations


Avg. Veloctiy = displacement/elapsed time
Avg. Accel. = Change in veloc./elapsed time

The Attempt at a Solution


(a) 3.5 m/s^2 x 1.2 s = 4.2 m/s
(b) I believe that you would have to use -3.5 because of the decrease in acceleration but I can't seem to know how to get anything or figure anything out after that.
 
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Think about the two components of her travel distance
1) in cart = 3.1*29s
2) while walking 1.2*t (t=unknown time that we wish to solve)

Then the total distance which can be expressed as the total time(29+t)*ave speed. Equate the two, and solve for t.

Problem 2: You're maybe looking for something that's not there. Think about riding a bike, you crank furiously for 1.2 sec then abruptly stop pedaling. Now imagine doing so where there is no air resistance to slow you down and the rolling resistance from the tires negligible. what happens to the speed of the bike?
 

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