What are the average speeds and velocities of two hikers taking different paths?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the average speeds and velocities of two hikers who take different paths from their respective base camps. The problem involves vector displacement and distance traveled over a specified time period.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the definitions of average speed and average velocity, questioning the information provided in the problem. Some suggest sketching the paths to visualize the scenario, while others point out potential missing information regarding time and displacement.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the definitions and calculations related to average speed and velocity. Some participants have offered clarifications on the definitions, while others have raised concerns about the completeness of the information given in the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that both hikers walked for 17 minutes, which is a critical piece of information for calculating average speed and velocity. However, there is debate about whether all necessary details for a complete solution are present.

blinkeaf182
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I had to miss class today because of a meeting I had with college counselors... please help

Hiker (2) is 1000 meters east of hiker (1) when they leave their base camps (@ the same time). Hiker (1) takes the following path: 200 m N, 300 m 30 degrees N of E, 400 m E, 600 m 40 degrees S of W, 200 m S. Hiker (2) takes the following path: 300 m E, 300 m 40 degrees W of S, 200 m S, 600 m W, 300 m 20 degrees E of N. Both hikers walked 17 min.

a. what is each hikers avg. speed
b. what is the magnitude of each hikers velocity?






i would more care to have the process explained then to actually know the answer

thanks!
 
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What do you know about the definition of average speed? Also what do you know about the magnitude of a velocity?
 
Sketch the paths of the hikers out.
 
Kurdt asked if you knew the definition of average speed: it is the distance walked divided by the time taken. Average velocity is the vector dispacement divided by the time taken. Nowhere in your problem is anything said about time. You cannot find speed or velocity with the information given.
 
blinkeaf182 said:
I had to miss class today because of a meeting I had with college counselors... please help

Hiker (2) is 1000 meters east of hiker (1) when they leave their base camps (@ the same time). Hiker (1) takes the following path: 200 m N, 300 m 30 degrees N of E, 400 m E, 600 m 40 degrees S of W, 200 m S. Hiker (2) takes the following path: 300 m E, 300 m 40 degrees W of S, 200 m S, 600 m W, 300 m 20 degrees E of N. Both hikers walked 17 min.

thanks!
There is a mention a time :confused: Both hikers took 17 minutes. I'll let you off this time Hallsofivy :wink:
 
Kurdt said:
There is a mention a time :confused: Both hikers took 17 minutes. I'll let you off this time Hallsofivy :wink:
Nah - don't let him off that lightly :-p :wink:
 

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