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Chapter 2: Problem 47

What is meant by average speed? How is it calculated?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The difference between average speed and instantaneous speed is that average speed is the total distance covered divided by the total time taken, representing the overall rate of motion, whereas instantaneous speed is the speed of an object at any specific moment in time. To calculate the average speed of an object, use the formula: \[Average\,Speed=\frac{Total\,Distance}{Total\,Time}\]. Determine the total distance and total time, plug them into the formula, solve, and interpret the result.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Average Speed

Average speed is the total distance covered divided by the total time taken. It represents the overall rate of motion and is different from instantaneous speed, which is the speed at any specific moment in time.
02

Formula for Calculating Average Speed

To calculate average speed, use the following formula: \[Average\,Speed = \frac{Total\,Distance}{Total\,Time}\]
03

Determine the Total Distance

The total distance is the entire length of the path traveled by the object. This could be measured using a variety of methods, including the use of a ruler, odometer, or GPS.
04

Determine the Total Time

Determine the total time taken by the object to travel the total distance. This can be measured using a stopwatch, a timer, or by analyzing data such as timestamps.
05

Plug the Values into the Formula

Once the total distance and total time are known, plug them into the average speed formula: \[Average\,Speed=\frac{Total\,Distance}{Total\,Time}\]
06

Solve and Interpret the Result

Calculate the average speed and interpret the result. Keep in mind that it may not represent the actual speed of an object at any given moment, but it is a useful measurement for understanding the overall rate of motion.

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