What Is the Average Speed of a Cyclist's Round Trip?

  • Thread starter Thread starter xcutezix
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The average speed of a cyclist's round trip can be calculated by dividing the total distance by the total time taken for the journey. In this scenario, a cyclist travels to work at an average speed of 3 metres/second and returns at an average speed of 9 metres/second. The average speed is not simply the arithmetic mean of the two speeds; instead, it requires calculating the total time for the entire trip based on a chosen distance. By applying the formula for average speed, the correct average speed for the round trip can be determined.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of average speed calculations
  • Basic knowledge of distance, speed, and time relationships
  • Familiarity with the concept of harmonic mean for average speeds
  • Ability to perform simple algebraic calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to calculate average speed using the formula: Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time
  • Study the concept of harmonic mean and its application in average speed problems
  • Explore physics problems involving motion and speed calculations
  • Practice solving real-world problems involving round trips and varying speeds
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching motion concepts, and anyone interested in understanding average speed calculations in real-world scenarios.

xcutezix
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
physics PLEASE HELP :(

please help me i really don't know how to do this question for physics :confused: :confused: :confused: :eek:

A cyclist travels to work at an average speed of 3 metres/sec and returns at an average speed of 9 metres/sec what is the average speed of the entire journey??

the answer is not 6 and it is not as simple as speed= distance/time please help :frown:
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
The average speed is found by dividing the total distance by the total time of travel. (Since you aren't given the distance, just make one up.)
 

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
40
Views
7K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K