Question

Two cyclists start on a race between points A and D on two different routes. Cyclist X takes the route passing through the equidistant points A-B-C-D, each separated by a distance of 200 meters. Cyclist Y takes the direct route AD, which has a total length of 546.41 meters. Both cyclists reach the end point in 30 seconds. Calculate the displacement and average velocities of cyclists X and Y.

Answer 1

For cyclist X, the displacement is 546.41 meters.

The velocity is the displacement ÷ time = 546.41 ÷ 30 = 18.21 meters/second.

For cyclist Y, the displacement is also 546.1 meters.

The velocity is displacement ÷ time = 546.1 ÷ 30 = 18.21 meters/second.

Although cyclist X and cyclist Y have traveled different distances in same time interval, their velocities and displacements are same.

Explanation: edmentum sample answer

Answer 2

Both cyclists have a displacement (vector) of 546.41 m

V(velocity) = 546.61 / 30 = 18.2 m/sec

Cyclist x travels 600 m / 30 = 20 m/sec average speed assuming 20 sec over each 200 m interval (total displacement of X = 600 m)

Cyclist Y travels 546.61 m / 30 = 18.2 m/s average speed