Observed in relation to another object that appears to stay in place (reference point) When an object changes position over time when compared to a reference point
Rate at which an object moves Depends on: 1. distance traveled (meters –m) 2. time to travel that distance (seconds – s)
Average speed = total distance (m) total time (s) Calculated for objects that do not travel at a constant speed
5 Important Steps in Solving Problems 1)Write the equation 2)Write the “knowns” & “unknowns” 3)Plug in numbers for letters 4)Solve 5)Final Answer: Correct sig figs and units
Sample problem: If you walk for 1.5 hours and travel 7.5 km, what is your average speed?
1. Average speed = total distance total time 2.Knowns distance 7.5 km time 1.5 h unknowns speed
3. Plug in Average speed = 7.5 km 1.5 h 4.Solve Average speed = 5.0 km/h 5. Final answer 5.0 km/h
Problem: At what speed did a plane fly if it traveled 176 meters in 8.0 seconds? Solve using 5 steps
1.Average speed = total distance total time 2.Knowns: distance 176 m time 8.0 s unknowns: average speed 3.Plug in: average speed = 176m 8.0 s 4.Solve: 22 m/s 5.Final answer: 22 m/s
The speed of a cruise ship is 50.0 km/h. How far will the ship travel in 14.0 hours?
1. equation: distance = speed x time 2. Speed – 50.0 km/h time – 14.0 h distance - ? 3.Plug in: d = 50.0 km/h x 14.0 h 4.Solve: Final answer: 700 km
Fast, Faster, Fastest On land: human 43.5 km/h cheetah 155 km/h car km/h In the air airplane km/h In the water human 8.4 km/h sailfish km/h boat km/h