What is the average speed of a freely falling body starting from rest?

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SUMMARY

The average speed of a freely falling body starting from rest can be derived using the displacement formula s = (1/2) g(t^2). The velocity after time T is given by vsubt = gt. When calculating the average velocity with respect to time, the result is vsubave = (1/2)vsubt. Conversely, when calculating the average velocity with respect to displacement, the result is vsubave = (2/3)vsubt. This demonstrates the difference in average velocity calculations based on the chosen variable.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically s = (1/2) g(t^2)
  • Knowledge of derivatives and their application in physics
  • Familiarity with the concept of average velocity
  • Basic calculus, particularly integration techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of kinematic equations in physics
  • Learn about the concept of instantaneous vs. average velocity
  • Explore integration techniques for calculating averages in physics
  • Investigate the implications of gravitational acceleration on free fall
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and kinematics, as well as educators looking for clear examples of average velocity calculations in free fall scenarios.

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Homework Statement



if a freely falling body starts from rest, then its displacement is given by s = (1/2) g(t^2). let the velocity after a time T be vsubt. Show that if we compute the average of the velocities with respect to t we get vsubave = (1/2)vsubt, but if we compute the average of the velocities with respect to s we get vsubave = (2/3)vsubt


The Attempt at a Solution



1)okay the first thing that i did was i found the derivate of s = (1/2)gt^2 to find the vsubt which i got vsuvt = gt.

2) next i vsubt that i found into the average value formula (1/(b-a))integralfora-to-b f(x)dx

3) then i got (g/(b-a))integralfora-to-b(t)

4)
 
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You don't need to use an integral. At t= 0, s= 0 and at t, s= (1/2)gt^2 so the total distance moved is (1/2)gt^2. Divide that by t to get the average speed.
 

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