Question

You run due east at a constant speed of 3.00 m/s for a distance of 120.0 m and then continue running east at a constant speed of 5.00 m/s for another 120.0 m. For the total 240.0-m run, is your average velocity 4.00 m/s, greater than 4.00 m/s, or less than 4.00 m/s? Explain.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Given

Speed while running towards east is
`v_1=3\ m/s`

Distance traveled in east direction
`x_1=120\ m`

For Another interval you run with velocity

`v_2=5\ m/s`

`x_2=240\ m`

Total displacement
`=x_1+x_2`

`=120+120=240\ m`

Time for first interval

`t_1=(x_1)/(v_1)=(120)/(3)`

`t_1=(120)/(3)=40\ s`

Time for second interval

`t_2=(x_2)/(v_2)=(120)/(5)=24\ s`

total time
`t=t_1+t_2`

`t=40+24=64\ s`

average velocity
`v_(avg)=(x_1+x_2)/(t)`

`v_(avg)=(240)/(64)=3.75\ m/s`

Therefore average velocity is less than
`4 m/s`