Final answer:
The velocity of the surfer, when they ride a wave for 200 meters east and return to the starting point in 60 seconds, is calculated based on distance and time. The correct answer is an average speed of 6.67 m/s, since they cover a total distance of 400 meters in 60 seconds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks for the velocity of a surfer who travels 200 meters to the east and then returns to their original position, all in 60 seconds.
To find the velocity, first, we need to know the total displacement and the total time. Since the surfer returns to the original position, the total displacement is 0 meters.
However, when calculating average speed, we consider the total distance covered.
The surfer covers 200 meters east and then 200 meters back to the starting point, totaling 400 meters.
The average speed is the total distance divided by the total time, which is:
Average speed = Total distance / Total time
Average speed = 400 meters / 60 seconds
Average speed = 6.67 m/s
The correct answer is (a) 6.67 m/s, which represents the surfer's average speed during the 60-second interval.