180k views
2 votes
Usain Bolt holds the world record for the 100 meter dash in 9.5 seconds. What is the speed he was traveling?

User NicoAdrian
by
8.9k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

Usain Bolt's average speed during his 100m world record was 10.4 m/s, equivalent to 23.4 mph. Calculating his maximum speed and acceleration involves assuming a 3.00 second acceleration period to maximum speed for the 100m and 200m dashes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Usain Bolt holds the world record for the 100 meter dash in 9.58 seconds. To calculate the speed at which he was traveling, we use the formula for average speed, which is the total distance traveled divided by the total time taken. Speed is distance over time, so Usain Bolt's average speed during his world record run was:

Speed = Total Distance / Total Time = 100 meters / 9.58 seconds = 10.4 m/s (meters per second), which is also equivalent to about 23.4 mph (miles per hour).

The information provided also asks for the calculation of his maximum speed and acceleration given a scenario where Bolt accelerated for 3.00 seconds to reach his maximum speed and then maintained that speed for the remainder of the 100-meter dash. For the 200-meter dash, a similar analysis can be done based on the provided assumptions.

User Ahmed Abdalla
by
8.6k points