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sphykik
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[SOLVED] Velocity Problem
A motor scooter travels east at a speed of 12 m/s. The driver then reverses direction and heads west at 16 m/s. What was the change in velocity of the scooter?
Looking at this problem, I thought it was extremely easy, but I seem to not be getting the right answer, haha (our homework is submitted electronically). Anyways, since you only have components in the x direction I thought I could just add the velocities. I figured the driver would move +12 m/s, and then -16 m/s. That would result in a change of 4, or negative 4 if you count the direction... But that's not correct, so I must be missing something!
Thanks in advance for the help,
Damian
Homework Statement
A motor scooter travels east at a speed of 12 m/s. The driver then reverses direction and heads west at 16 m/s. What was the change in velocity of the scooter?
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
Looking at this problem, I thought it was extremely easy, but I seem to not be getting the right answer, haha (our homework is submitted electronically). Anyways, since you only have components in the x direction I thought I could just add the velocities. I figured the driver would move +12 m/s, and then -16 m/s. That would result in a change of 4, or negative 4 if you count the direction... But that's not correct, so I must be missing something!
Thanks in advance for the help,
Damian