What is the average speed of a gerbil running in a clear plastic tube?

[lostfan176]

Homework Statement

What is its average speed during the first 35 s?

(Figure shows the displacement-time graph of a gerbil running inside a straight length of clear plastic tubing.)

Homework Equations

any

The Attempt at a Solution

2 m / 35 sec = .06
its wrong though

 

[bel]

Since u_{average} = \frac{s_{total}}{t_{total}}, have to calculate the total distance traveled (not displacement), and divide it by the total time. To find the total distance, you would have to find the sum of the area under the curve.

 

[lostfan176]

Since u_{average} = \frac{s_{total}}{t_{total}}, have to calculate the total distance traveled (not displacement), and divide it by the total time. To find the total distance, you would have to find the sum of the area under the curve.

how would u do that like a triangle? h = 2 b = 35 A=35 its wrong:(

 

[learningphysics]

Hmmm... seems to me like your original answer is right, but you didn't carry enough decimal places... maybe 0.0571m/s ?

 

[learningphysics]

To find the total distance, you would have to find the sum of the area under the curve.

that would be for a v-t graph wouldn't it? not a d-t graph.

 

[lostfan176]

thanks a lot i guess i wasnt suppose to round

 

[learningphysics]

thanks a lot i guess i wasnt suppose to round

no prob. did the answer go through?