Question

A balloon drifts 50 m toward the east in 6 s; then the wind suddenly changes and the balloon flies 30 m toward the west in the next 5 s. what was its average velocity for the entire trip?

Answer 1

The balloon's total displacement is 20 m toward the east, and the total time taken is 11 seconds, resulting in an average velocity of about 1.82 m/s to the east for the entire trip.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the balloon's average velocity for the entire trip, we must consider the total displacement and the total time taken. The balloon drifts 50 m east and then 30 m west, resulting in a net displacement of 50 m - 30 m = 20 m east. The total time for the trip is 6 s + 5 s = 11 s.

The average velocity, Vavg, is calculated using the formula:

Vavg = Total Displacement / Total Time

Thus, the balloon's average velocity is:

Vavg = 20 m / 11 s ≈ 1.82 m/s, east

So, the balloon's average velocity for the entire trip is approximately 1.82 m/s directed toward the east.