How to Calculate Average Velocity on a Circular Track?

In summary, the car's average velocity over one lap on a circular track with a circumference of 2.0km is 0m/s due to no change in displacement. This is because the car returns to its starting location, resulting in a displacement of 0.
  • #1
cvc121
61
1

Homework Statement


A car travels on a circular track at 20m/s. The track has a circumference of 2.0km. What is the average velocity of the car over one lap?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Since the car is traveling at a constant speed of 20m/s, wouldn't the average velocity be 20m/s? The answer key says 0.
 
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  • #2
Cannot you imagine why 0 is a valid answer?
 
  • #3
Check the definitions of average velocity and average speed.
 
  • #4
Oh, my bad. Since the car arrives back at the same location, there is no change in displacement and thus, average velocity is 0.
 
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Likes PietKuip
  • #5
cvc121 said:
Oh, my bad. Since the car arrives back at the same location, there is no change in displacement and thus, average velocity is 0.
Yessir! :oldbiggrin:
 

Related to How to Calculate Average Velocity on a Circular Track?

1. What is circular motion?

Circular motion is a type of motion in which an object moves around a fixed point or axis in a circular path. It can be either uniform, where the object moves at a constant speed, or non-uniform, where the speed of the object changes along the circular path.

2. What causes circular motion?

Circular motion is caused by a centripetal force, which is directed towards the center of the circular path. This force is necessary to keep the object moving in a circular path, as without it, the object would continue in a straight line tangent to the circle.

3. What is the difference between circular motion and rotational motion?

Circular motion involves an object moving in a circular path, while rotational motion involves an object rotating around an axis. In other words, circular motion is the movement of an object in space, while rotational motion is the movement of an object around a fixed point.

4. How is circular motion related to other types of motion?

Circular motion is related to other types of motion, such as linear and angular motion. Linear motion is the movement of an object in a straight line, while angular motion is the movement of an object around an axis. Circular motion can be thought of as a combination of both linear and angular motion.

5. What are some real-life examples of circular motion?

Some common examples of circular motion in everyday life include the motion of a Ferris wheel, the orbit of planets around the sun, and the motion of a spinning top. Other examples include the motion of a car around a curved track, the motion of a satellite in orbit around the Earth, and the motion of a child on a swing.

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