or
where v is velocity or speed, d is
distance and t is time. 2.1 Speed
and constant velocity.
Speed is the amount of distance something moves versus
time. An equation that describes
this is
or
where v is velocity or speed, d is
distance and t is time.
We can imagine this equation works well when the speed of something is constant or the speed described is the average speed. When I drive from Jacksonville to Tallahassee my instantaneous speed (that is my speed at any given time) varies from 0 mph to 70 mph. My average speed however is 60 mph.
Notice that we can rearrange the equation to solve for distance (d) or time (t) by using simple algebra.
and
Please notice that the units are consistent and provide a check of your work. For this reason, please include them when doing these and all science problems. Here is a problem:
How long does it
take to go the 180 miles from Jacksonville to Tallahassee traveling at an
average speed of 60 miles per hour (60miles/hour)?
notice hour the units of hours cancel out and the unit 1/1/hours is the same as hours.
t=180 miles /60
miles/hour
