Magnitude and average velocity

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a spider crawling from one corner to another in a specific amount of time. The question asks for the average speed and velocity of the spider. The University of North Dakota is also mentioned.
  • #1
BriannaUND
12
0
I am having a problem with the following question:
A spider crawls from corner A to corner B in 30 minutes. The distance between AC (C chosen as a half-way point) is 27 meters, the spider turns right and the distance between CB is 21 meters. a) What is its average speed? and b) what is the magnitude of its average velocity?
Thanks for any help!
 
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  • #2
hey Bianna, is UND Notre Dame or North Dakota (my alma) or something completely different?
 
  • #3
und

I go to University of North Dakota
 
  • #4
For average speed, divide the distance traveled by the time; for average velocity, divide the displacement by the time.
 

1. What is magnitude?

Magnitude refers to the size or amount of a quantity, such as velocity or force. It is typically represented by a numerical value and a unit of measurement.

2. How is magnitude calculated?

Magnitude can be calculated by taking the absolute value of a vector or by finding the length of a line segment on a graph. For velocity, magnitude is calculated by taking the square root of the sum of the squared components (speed in the x and y directions).

3. What is average velocity?

Average velocity is the total displacement divided by the total time taken. It is a measure of how fast and in what direction an object is moving over a certain period of time.

4. How is average velocity different from instantaneous velocity?

Average velocity is an overall measure of an object's motion over a period of time, whereas instantaneous velocity is the exact velocity of an object at a specific moment in time. Average velocity can be calculated using the change in position over a time interval, while instantaneous velocity requires the use of calculus and the concept of a derivative.

5. Can the magnitude and average velocity of an object be the same?

No, the magnitude and average velocity of an object cannot be the same. Average velocity takes into account the direction of an object's motion, while magnitude does not. Therefore, the magnitude of an object's velocity will always be less than or equal to the average velocity.

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