How to graph x vs t and find average velocity?

In summary, the conversation is about finding the average velocity of a person walking and running along a straight line, graphing the function of position and finding the total time and distance traveled. The answer to the problem is 1.74 meters per second.
  • #1
physics newb
44
0
I'm not looking for answers so much, just someone to get me started.
OK, you walk 73.2 m at a speed of 1.22 m/s, and then run 73.2 m at 3.05 m/s along a straight line. What is the average velocity of that problem?
Next I need to graph x vs t for the problem, and indicate how the average velocity is found on the graph. How would that be done.
 
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  • #2
What time does it take to win each distance? What is the total time? What is the total distance?
 
  • #3
Well, the total distance is 146.4 m. Would the total time be 84 seconds, (1 min, 16 seconds)? If that's right, what next? Also, what do you mean by the time it takes to win each distance? Thanks in advandce!
 
  • #4
Assuming that both speeds are constant, the time of the walking distance of 73.2 m is 60 seconds, and the time of the equal running distance is 24 seconds. Because the velocities are constant, the function of position x(t) is linear. So, you just have to draw the graph of the function: [tex]x(t) = \left\{\begin{array}{cc}1.22t, 0 \leq t \leq 60 \\3.05t, 60 < t \leq 84\end{array}\right[/tex] The average velocity is v = (v1*t1 + v2*t2)/(t1+t2) = (1.22*60 + 3.05 * 24)/(60 + 24) = ...
 
Last edited:
  • #5
1.74 seconds
So is that my answer for this problem?
Thanks!
 
  • #6
1.74 meters per second. Yup.
 

FAQ: How to graph x vs t and find average velocity?

What is computing average velocity?

Computing average velocity is a mathematical process used to determine the average speed of an object over a specific period of time. It involves dividing the total displacement (change in position) of an object by the total time it took to travel that distance.

How is average velocity different from average speed?

Average velocity takes into account the direction of an object's motion, whereas average speed only considers the magnitude of its motion. This means that average velocity can be either positive or negative, while average speed is always positive.

What is the formula for computing average velocity?

The formula for computing average velocity is: average velocity = total displacement / total time. This can also be written as v = Δx / Δt, where v represents average velocity, Δx represents change in position, and Δt represents change in time.

What are the units for average velocity?

The units for average velocity are distance divided by time, which can be written as meters per second (m/s) or kilometers per hour (km/h), depending on the unit of measurement used for distance and time.

How is average velocity used in real-world applications?

Average velocity is used in various fields of science and engineering, such as physics, chemistry, and mechanics, to analyze the motion of objects. It is also commonly used in sports to measure the performance of athletes and in transportation to calculate the average speed of vehicles.

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