Question

Coach Ulcer paces the sidelines. Starting at the 40 m line (A), he moves to the 20 m line (B), back to the 60 m line (C) and finally to the 20 m line (D) in 100 seconds. Determine his average speed and average velocity.

Answer 1

Coach Ulcer's average speed was 1 m/s as he traveled a total distance of 100 m in 100 seconds. His average velocity was -0.2 m/s, indicating his final position was 20 m to the left of his starting point.

Step-by-step explanation:

Coach Ulcer's movement on the sideline can be analyzed to determine his average speed and average velocity. His displacement for the movements would be:

• From A to B: 40 m - 20 m = 20 m (towards the left or negative direction)
• From B to C: 60 m - 20 m = 40 m (towards the right or positive direction)
• From C to D: 20 m - 60 m = -40 m (towards the left or negative direction)

The total distance he moves is the sum of all these distances ignoring direction which is 20 m + 40 m + 40 m = 100 m. The total displacement is the sum considering direction: -20 m + 40 m - 40 m = -20 m.

To find the average speed, divide the total distance traveled by the time taken:

Average speed = Total distance / Time = 100 m / 100 s = 1 m/s

For average velocity, divide the total displacement by the time taken:

Average velocity = Total displacement / Time = -20 m / 100 s = -0.2 m/s

A negative sign indicates his final position is to the left (opposite) from the start point.