Question

A cyclist takes a ride lasting 25 s. What is her average speed?

Answer 1

The average speed of the cyclist is
`\( (d)/(t) \approx 2.56 \, \text{m/s} \),` where \(d\) is the distance traveled and
`\(t\)` is the time taken.

Step-by-step explanation:

Average speed
`(\(v\))` is calculated by dividing the total distance traveled
`(\(d\))` by the total time taken
`(\(t\))` , expressed by the formula
`\( v = (d)/(t) \).` In this scenario, the cyclist's ride lasts for 25 seconds. To find the average speed, we need to know the distance covered during this time.

If the distance is provided, the calculation is straightforward. For instance, if the cyclist covers a distance of
`\(65 \, \text{m}\),` the average speed would be
`\( \frac{65 \, \text{m}}{25 \, \text{s}} \approx 2.6 \, \text{m/s} \).`However, if the distance is not given, we cannot provide a numerical answer.

Average speed is a crucial metric in physics and sports, providing insights into an object's overall motion. It contrasts with instantaneous speed, which represents an object's speed at a specific moment. For the cyclist's scenario, the average speed calculation considers the total distance traveled during the entire ride, providing a generalized measure of her overall speed during the 25-second duration.

Understanding the concept of average speed is foundational in physics, particularly in kinematics. It enables the quantification of motion over a given time interval, aiding in the analysis of various physical phenomena, from simple everyday activities to complex scientific experiments.