Motion Problem Homework: Calculate Distance, Displacement, Speed, & Velocity

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The discussion revolves around a physics homework problem involving a ship's journey with specific distances in different directions. Participants emphasize the importance of visualizing the movement by drawing vectors to aid in calculating total distance, displacement, average speed, and average velocity. The total distance is the sum of all segments traveled, while displacement requires vector addition to find the net change in position. Average speed is determined by dividing total distance by the time taken, and average velocity is calculated using total displacement over the same time. The conversation highlights the need for proper problem-solving techniques and adherence to homework guidelines.
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Homework Statement


A ship sails 50km E then 40km N then 20km W. This took 6 hours. Calculate the distance travelled, the displacement, the average speed and the average velocity.
not quite sure on how to attempt this question
 
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fleur said:
not quite sure on how to attempt this question
ship is moving;
draw the four geographical directions and draw the movement vectors with arrow and then add the magnitude to get total distance ...etc.
 
fleur said:

Homework Statement


A ship sails 50km E then 40km N then 20km W. This took 6 hours. Calculate the distance travelled, the displacement, the average speed and the average velocity.
not quite sure on how to attempt this question

The question asks for several answers. I'm sure you can work out the first (distance traveled).
 
fleur said:
Calculate the distance travelled, the displacement, the average speed and the average velocity.
not quite sure on how to attempt this question

Hints:
1. Ship is moving and taking turns- hope you have drawn the vectors - so you know by adding magnitudes the total distance covered.. sayD
2. so now you can calculate average speed you have time spent in covering that total distance D.
3. the total displacement will be vector sum of the displacement- you know how to add vectors -the average velocity which is a vector can be calculated using total displacement and time taken as rate of change of displacement.
 
fleur said:

Homework Statement


A ship sails 50km E then 40km N then 20km W. This took 6 hours. Calculate the distance travelled, the displacement, the average speed and the average velocity.
not quite sure on how to attempt this question
@fleur -- Please re-post this question in the Introductory Physics forum, and fill out the full Homework Help Template. It is not acceptable for you to show no work on your schoolwork questions.
 

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