Ratio of Space Average Velocity to Time Average Velocity?

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The discussion focuses on finding the ratio of space average velocity to time average velocity for a particle starting from rest with constant acceleration. Participants clarify the definitions and calculations for both types of average velocity, emphasizing that time average velocity is total displacement divided by total time. They derive the equations for average velocities, with space average velocity calculated as the integral of velocity over distance. An example illustrates the difference between the two averages, showing that time average velocity is typically less than space average velocity. The conversation concludes with a realization that the desired ratio is a dimensionless factor.
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Homework Statement


A particle starts from rest with constant acceleration. Find the ratio of space average velocity with time average velocity.


Explain to me the underlined words in order that I may proceed to solve this problem.
 
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ritwik06 said:

Homework Statement


A particle starts from rest with constant acceleration. Find the ratio of space average velocity with time average velocity.


Explain to me the underlined words in order that I may proceed to solve this problem.

Try writing out the equations for V as a function of t and V as a function of x. Then perhaps you can arrive at what taking the average over each function might yield?
 
LowlyPion said:
Try writing out the equations for V as a function of t and V as a function of x. Then perhaps you can arrive at what taking the average over each function might yield?

v=kt

and v^2=2kx

where t is time
x is displacement
and k is the constant acceleration
now what shall I do?
 
ritwik06 said:
I know about time average velocity. But what is Space average velocity?

You have V(x) over the distance X in the same way that you have V(t) over T for how you might figure the time average velocity. You don't think you can come up with an expression for the distance averaged V?
 
LowlyPion said:
You have V(x) over the distance X in the same way that you have V(t) over T for how you might figure the time average velocity. You don't think you can come up with an expression for the distance averaged V?

Time Average velocity is total displacement/ total time

Is distance average velocity? total distance / total displacement ? I really have no idea. Please help!
 
ritwik06 said:
Time Average velocity is total displacement/ total time

Is distance average velocity? total distance / total displacement ? I really have no idea. Please help!

Can you derive the statement that
"Time Average velocity is total displacement/ total time"?
You may wish to first consider a simpler situation in which your total trip has just two velocities:
v1 for time-interval t1, and then v2 for time-interval t2.
 
robphy said:
Can you derive the statement that
"Time Average velocity is total displacement/ total time"?
You may wish to first consider a simpler situation in which your total trip has just two velocities:
v1 for time-interval t1, and then v2 for time-interval t2.

Yup, I have done that. All I need to know is what is distance averaged velocity?
 
  • #10
Example: For 2km I go at a velocity 30m/s, then for 1km, I go at a velocity 15m/s. The distance-averaged velocity would be (2x30m/s+1x15m/s)/3=25m/s.

The time-averaged velocity will be smaller than 25m/s, as I go an equal amount of time at the two different speeds: the time-averaged velocity is (30+15)/2 m/s=22.5 m/s.
 
  • #11
ritwik06 said:
Yup, I have done that. All I need to know is what is distance averaged velocity?

OK. If Time averaged velocity is given by:

V_{Tavg} = \frac{1}{T}\int_{0}^{T} V_{(t)} dt

Then won't the distance averaged velocity be given by:

V_{Xavg} = \frac{1}{X}\int_{0}^{X} V_{(x)} dx

Now you have already supplied V as a function of x and V as a function of t.

So ...
 
  • #12
borgwal said:
Example: For 2km I go at a velocity 30m/s, then for 1km, I go at a velocity 15m/s. The distance-averaged velocity would be (2x30m/s+1x15m/s)/3=25m/s.

The time-averaged velocity will be smaller than 25m/s, as I go an equal amount of time at the two different speeds: the time-averaged velocity is (30+15)/2 m/s=22.5 m/s.

<v>=\frac{1}{X}\int_{0}^{X} V(x) dx
right?
But the thing is that the X is not eliminated!
 
  • #13
ritwik06 said:
But the thing is that the X is not eliminated!

T wasn't eliminated either.
 
  • #14
If I understood the problem correctly, it appears that the ratio desired is a dimensionless factor... a simple fraction.
 
  • #15
lowlypion said:
t wasn't eliminated either.

solved[/color]
 
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