An object travels North at #15 m/s# for #2 s# and then travels South at #2 m/s# for #8 s#. What are the object's average speed and velocity?
1 Answer
speed = 4.6 m/s
velocity = 1.4 m/s (north) or -1,4m/s (south)
Explanation:
To start of, we have to find the the total distance (or disposition covered) north and south which can be derived from the speed (or velocity) formula and total time taken
therefore,
When the object is traveling north:
When the object is traveling south
Now we have to distinguish between speed and velocity, since they are similar but they are not the same thing.
Speed is
however,
Velocity is
Distance is not the same as disposition, as distance is a scalar quantity while disposition is a vector quantity.
Scalar quantities do not have direction, so the calculations are done without calculation,
thus
But, vector quantities are affected by direction, so we have to check the directions in calculations,
thus,
when calculated to south, the velocity will be