Answer:
13.89 ft/s
Step-by-step explanation:
We know that the cheetah is the fastest land animal on Earth, but what if it were not allowed to run? Biologists model maximum walking speed by the equation = √, where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s2 or 32 ft/s2) and L is the length of the leg (in metric or standard units). In the situations below, use this information to answer the questions.
(Hint: It will be useful to know 1 m = 3.23 ft for conversions)
1. Find the maximum walking speed of a giraffe with legs 6.03 feet long.
Solution:
Speed is the ratio of the total distance travelled to the time taken to reach this distance. Speed is given by the formula:
Speed = distance / time
Given that the maximum walking speed (s) is given by the equation:
= √, where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s² or 32 ft/s²) and L is the length of the leg (in metric or standard units).
The giraffe has a length of leg (L) of 6.03 feet, hence:
s = √(32 ft/s² * 6.03 ft)
s = √192.96
s = 13.89 ft/s
