Ratio of Space Average Velocity to Time Average Velocity?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the ratio of space average velocity to time average velocity for a particle starting from rest with constant acceleration. Participants are exploring the definitions and calculations related to average velocities in the context of kinematics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the equations for velocity as functions of time and displacement, questioning how to derive average velocities from these functions. There are inquiries about the definitions of space average velocity and time average velocity, and how to compute them.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their understanding of time average velocity and seeking clarification on space average velocity. Some have proposed equations and examples to illustrate their points, while others are questioning the definitions and calculations involved.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the definitions of space average velocity and how it compares to time average velocity. Participants are also navigating through the implications of different velocities over varying distances and times.

ritwik06
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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:

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

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

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

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.

[tex]<v>=\frac{1}{X}\int_{0}^{X} V(x) dx[/tex]
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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