Relationship between speed, distance, and time

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between speed, distance, and time. It is stated that the effect on distance and speed depends on the type of motion and the acceleration. The question is raised about what would happen if time was tripled, and it is explained that in order to find the third variable, two of the variables must be known. A more specific question is proposed for a meaningful answer.
  • #1
cvc121
61
1
Hi,

I am having trouble understanding the relationship between speed, distance and time. For example, if time was tripled, what would be the effect on distance? What about the effect on speed? Would they both increase 3 times as well?

Thanks! All help is very much appreciated!
 
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  • #2
All these answers will depend on the type of motion. More specific, you need to know how the acceleration changes with time.
As a trivial example if the object is at rest, nothing happens when you "triple the time", the velocity is still zero.
 
  • #3
If you are driving at 20 mph for one hour, and then drive for two more hours, does that mean you are going faster?
 
  • #4
cvc121 said:
Hi,

I am having trouble understanding the relationship between speed, distance and time. For example, if time was tripled, what would be the effect on distance? What about the effect on speed? Would they both increase 3 times as well?

Thanks! All help is very much appreciated!
The relation is just that. It is a relation among three variables. If you know what happens to two of them, you can find the third. If you just change one of them, then anything can happen to the other two. So a meaningful version of your question would be: If time were tripled, what speed would be needed to cover the same distance?, or, if time were tripled, and the speed remained the same, what would happen to the distance?
 

Related to Relationship between speed, distance, and time

What is the relationship between speed, distance, and time?

The relationship between speed, distance, and time can be described by the equation: speed = distance/time. This means that the speed of an object is equal to the distance it travels divided by the time it takes to travel that distance. In other words, the faster an object moves, the more distance it can cover in a given amount of time.

What is the unit of measurement for speed, distance, and time?

The unit of measurement for speed is typically meters per second (m/s) or kilometers per hour (km/h). Distance is often measured in meters (m) or kilometers (km), while time is typically measured in seconds (s) or hours (h).

How does increasing speed affect distance and time?

As speed increases, distance also increases. This means that an object traveling at a higher speed will cover more distance in the same amount of time compared to an object traveling at a lower speed. However, increasing speed will also decrease the amount of time it takes to cover a certain distance.

What is the difference between average speed and instantaneous speed?

Average speed is the total distance traveled divided by the total time taken. It gives a general idea of how fast an object is moving over a given distance. Instantaneous speed, on the other hand, is the speed of an object at a specific moment in time. It can be calculated by measuring the change in distance over a very small amount of time.

How does distance affect speed and time?

Distance and speed have an inverse relationship. This means that as distance increases, speed decreases, and vice versa. For example, if an object travels a longer distance, it will take more time to cover that distance if the speed remains constant. On the other hand, if the distance is shorter, the object can cover it in less time if the speed remains the same.

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