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Which scenario depicts a change in velocity?

A) Hector is biking at a steady speed along Main Street.
B) Hector slows down while biking along Main Street.
C) Hector maintains the same speed while biking along Main Street.
D) Hector turns onto Bay Road while biking along Main Street.

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

A change in velocity occurs when there is a change in speed or direction. Scenarios B) Hector slows down and D) Hector turns onto a different road both depict changes in velocity because they include either a change in speed, direction, or both.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scenario which depicts a change in velocity is B) Hector slows down while biking along Main Street and D) Hector turns onto Bay Road while biking along Main Street. Velocity is a vector quantity, which means it has both magnitude and direction. Therefore, any change in speed or direction constitutes a change in velocity. When Hector slows down, he is changing the magnitude of his velocity. When he turns onto a different road, he is changing the direction of his velocity, even if he maintains the same speed.

Another way to consider a change in velocity is through acceleration. Acceleration occurs when there is a change in velocity, which can be a result of changing speed, changing direction, or both. If Hector is maintaining the same speed and riding in a straight line, there is no change in velocity, but as soon as he either decelerates (slows down) or makes a turn, his velocity changes.

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