Calculating Edith's Average Velocity in a Relay Race

In summary, Edith runs a distance of 24.8m while carrying an egg on a spoon in a relay race. She completes the first distance in 19.3 seconds, but on the return trip she only takes 15.1 seconds. Her average velocity for the entire round trip can be calculated by dividing the total distance (49.6m) by the total time (34.4 seconds), resulting in an average velocity of 1.44m/s. However, this answer may not be correct as the question is a trick and the displacement is actually zero, leading to an average velocity of 0m/s.
  • #1
Whatupdoc
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0
In a relay race, each contestant runs a distance 24.8m while carrying an egg balanced on a spoon, turns around, and comes back to the starting point. Edith runs the first distance 24.8m in a time t1=19.3s . On the return trip she is more confident and takes only t2=time 15.1s .

What is her average velocity for the entire round trip?

ok this question seems so easy, but i cannot get the right answer, which is really bugging me.

(24.8+24.8)m/(19.3/15.1)s = 1.44m/s

can someone help?
 
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  • #2
Why do you think that's wrong ? It looks fine to me...
 
  • #3
it's wrong...well for our college, we submit our answers to an automated sort of server and it checks your answer.
 
Last edited:
  • #4
this is a trick question. the average velocity is the displacement over the time. the displacement is zero because she is back where she started. i think you should protest.
 

Related to Calculating Edith's Average Velocity in a Relay Race

1. How do you calculate Edith's average velocity in a relay race?

To calculate Edith's average velocity in a relay race, you need to divide the total distance traveled by Edith by the total time it took her to complete the race. This will give you her average velocity in meters per second (m/s).

2. What is the formula for calculating average velocity in a relay race?

The formula for calculating average velocity in a relay race is: average velocity = total distance / total time. This formula can also be written as v = d/t, where v is velocity, d is distance, and t is time.

3. Can you calculate Edith's average velocity for each leg of the relay race?

Yes, you can calculate Edith's average velocity for each leg of the relay race by dividing the distance covered in each leg by the time it took her to complete that leg. This will give you her average velocity for that specific leg of the race.

4. How does average velocity differ from instantaneous velocity?

Average velocity takes into account the total distance traveled and total time taken, whereas instantaneous velocity only looks at the velocity at a specific moment in time. Average velocity gives a broader picture of an object's overall motion, while instantaneous velocity gives a more precise measurement at a specific point in time.

5. What are some factors that can affect Edith's average velocity in a relay race?

Some factors that can affect Edith's average velocity in a relay race include her speed, the terrain, any obstacles on the course, the weather conditions, and any fatigue or injuries she may have. Other factors may include the quality of her equipment or the amount of rest she had before the race.

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