Question

Starting from a pillar, you run 200 m east (the + x-direction) at an average speed of 5.0 m/s and then run 280 m west at an average speed of 4.0 m/s to a post. Calculate (a) your average speed from pillar to post and (b) your average velocity from pillar to post.

Answer 1

Answer:

Total time taken=110 seconds

Total distance traveled=480m

Explanation:

First of all, we find the total time taken:

For that, we use the formula : Distance/Speed= Time

Time for part 1 : 200/5=40 seconds

Time for part 2 : 280/4=70seconds

Total time taken=110 seconds

Total distance traveled=480m

Average Speed= 480/110=4.36 m/s

Total displacement=200-280=-80m (Since this is displacement, we need to find the distance between the initial and final point. Also, I've taken east direction as positive and west as negative)

Average Velocity=-80/110=-0.72 m/s

OR 0.72m/s towards west.