Distance and speed

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Average speed

The average speed of a moving object can be calculated using the formula:

$$\begin{array}{rl}\text{Average speed}& =\frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}}\\ v& =\frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}\end{array}$$

Note:

The greek delta ($\Delta$) symbol is used to represent change in.

Distance time graphs

Graphs can be used to represent the motion of object.

• Distance is plotted on the y axis. (Vertical)
• Time is plotted on the x axis. (Horizontal)
• The speed is equal to the gradient of the graph
• A horizontal line indicates that the object is stationary.

$$\begin{array}{rl}\text{Distance change}\Delta x& =1200-600=600m\\ \text{Time change}\Delta t& =60-30=30s\\ v=\frac{600}{30}& =20m{s}^{-1}\end{array}$$

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See also

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References

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