How Do You Calculate Average Velocity in Vector Notation?

[Blink691]

This figure attached gives the path of a squirrel moving about on level ground, from point A (at time t = 0), to points B (at t = 6.00 min), C (at t = 12.0 min), and finally D (at t = 18.0 min). Both axes are marked in increments of 10.0 m (therefore the diagram is not drawn to scale). Consider the average velocities of the squirrel from point A to each of the other three points.

(a) Of the three average velocities, which has the least magnitude?
A, B, or C?

What is this average velocity in magnitude-angle notation?
______m/s, ° (counterclockwise from the positive x axis)

(b) Which has the greatest magnitude?
A, B, or C?

What is this average velocity in magnitude-angle notation?
_______m/s, ° (counterclockwise from the positive x axis)

 

[Kurdt]

You will have to show at least some attempt at the solution yourself before anyone can help you as per the forum guidelines: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=5374

 

[m2003]

(a) Of the three average velocities, the one with the least magnitude is A to B. This is because the squirrel is moving in a relatively straight path, so the average velocity does not change significantly over the 6-minute time interval. In magnitude-angle notation, this average velocity would be 10 m/s, 0° (counterclockwise from the positive x axis). This means that the squirrel is moving at a constant speed of 10 m/s in the positive x direction.

(b) The average velocity with the greatest magnitude is B to C. This is because the squirrel is changing direction and moving at a faster speed, resulting in a larger average velocity. In magnitude-angle notation, this average velocity would be 20 m/s, 135° (counterclockwise from the positive x axis). This means that the squirrel is moving at a speed of 20 m/s at an angle of 135° from the positive x axis.