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Average Speed Calculation Methods

The document discusses calculating average speed, including the formula for average speed which is distance divided by time. It also discusses using formula triangles to rearrange equations and provides a worked example of calculating distance using average speed and time. Finally, it defines velocity as the rate of change of displacement and notes that velocity is a vector quantity containing both magnitude and direction.

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Fahim Laheer
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157 views3 pages

Average Speed Calculation Methods

The document discusses calculating average speed, including the formula for average speed which is distance divided by time. It also discusses using formula triangles to rearrange equations and provides a worked example of calculating distance using average speed and time. Finally, it defines velocity as the rate of change of displacement and notes that velocity is a vector quantity containing both magnitude and direction.

Uploaded by

Fahim Laheer
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Calculating Average Speed

• The speed of an object is the distance it travels every second


• It is defined as “The rate of change of distance”
• Speed is a scalar quantity
o This is because it only contains a magnitude (without a direction)
• The equation for calculating the average speed of a moving object is:

• The formula for average speed can be rearranged with the help of the formula triangle:

How to Use Formula Triangles

• Formula triangles are really useful for knowing how to rearrange physics equations
• To use them:

1. Cover up the quantity to be calculated, this is known as the 'subject' of the equation
2. Look at the position of the other two quantities
o If they are on the same line, this means they are multiplied
o If one quantity is above the other, this means they are divided - make sure to
keep the order of which is on the top and bottom of the fraction!

• In the example below, to calculate speed, cover-up 'speed' and only distance and
time are left
o This means it is equal to distance (on the top) ÷ time (on the bottom)
Worked Example:

Q- A train moves at a speed of 25 m/s find the distance covered in 2 hours.

A-

Step 1: List the known quantities

• Speed = 25 m/s
• Time taken = 2 hours

Step 2: Write the relevant equation

Step 3: Rearrange for the distance moved

distance moved = average speed × time taken

Step 4: Convert any units

o The time given in the question is not in standard units


o Convert 2 hours into seconds:

2 hours = 2 × 60 × 60 = 7200 s

Step 5: Substitute the values for average speed and time taken

distance moved = 25 × 7200 = 180,000 m


Velocity
• The Velocity of an object is the distance it travels every second in a particular direction
• It is defined as “The rate of change of displacement”
• Velocity is a Vector quantity
o This is because it both contains a magnitude and direction

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