Relationship between speed, distance, and time

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SUMMARY

The relationship between speed, distance, and time is defined by the equation distance = speed × time. If time is tripled while maintaining a constant speed, the distance covered will also triple. Conversely, if the distance remains constant and time is tripled, the required speed will decrease to one-third of its original value. Understanding this relationship is crucial for analyzing motion, particularly in scenarios involving constant speed and varying time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of the formula distance = speed × time
  • Familiarity with concepts of constant speed and acceleration
  • Knowledge of how to manipulate algebraic equations
  • Understanding of motion types (uniform vs. accelerated motion)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of acceleration on distance and speed
  • Learn about uniform motion versus accelerated motion
  • Explore real-world applications of speed, distance, and time in physics
  • Investigate graphical representations of motion (distance-time graphs)
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone interested in physics, particularly those studying motion and the fundamental relationships between speed, distance, and time.

cvc121
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Hi,

I am having trouble understanding the relationship between speed, distance and time. For example, if time was tripled, what would be the effect on distance? What about the effect on speed? Would they both increase 3 times as well?

Thanks! All help is very much appreciated!
 
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All these answers will depend on the type of motion. More specific, you need to know how the acceleration changes with time.
As a trivial example if the object is at rest, nothing happens when you "triple the time", the velocity is still zero.
 
If you are driving at 20 mph for one hour, and then drive for two more hours, does that mean you are going faster?
 
cvc121 said:
Hi,

I am having trouble understanding the relationship between speed, distance and time. For example, if time was tripled, what would be the effect on distance? What about the effect on speed? Would they both increase 3 times as well?

Thanks! All help is very much appreciated!
The relation is just that. It is a relation among three variables. If you know what happens to two of them, you can find the third. If you just change one of them, then anything can happen to the other two. So a meaningful version of your question would be: If time were tripled, what speed would be needed to cover the same distance?, or, if time were tripled, and the speed remained the same, what would happen to the distance?
 

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