Question 327 of 949
A car travels 150 kilometers north in 2 hours and then returns 50 kilometers south in 1 hour. What is the average velocity of the car over the entire trip?
- 50 km/h north
- 25 km/h north
- 100 km/h north
- 75 km/h south
Correct Answer:
A
Explanation
To determine the average velocity of the car over the entire trip, we need to follow a systematic approach. Let's break it down step-by-step.
### Step 1: Understand the Concept of Average Velocity
Average velocity is defined as the total displacement divided by the total time taken. Displacement is the straight-line distance from the starting point to the final position, along with the direction.
### Step 2: Calculate Total Displacement
1. **First Leg of the Trip:**
- The car travels **150 kilometers north**.
- Displacement for this leg = +150 km (we consider north as the positive direction).
2. **Second Leg of the Trip:**
- The car then travels **50 kilometers south**.
- Displacement for this leg = -50 km (south is considered the negative direction).
3. **Total Displacement:**
\[
\text{Total Displacement} = 150 \text{ km (north)} - 50 \text{ km (south)} = 100 \text{ km (north)}
\]
### Step 3: Calculate Total Time
1. **Time for the First Leg:**
- The car takes **2 hours** to travel north.
2. **Time for the Second Leg:**
- The car takes **1 hour** to travel south.
3. **Total Time:**
\[
\text{Total Time} = 2 \text{ hours} + 1 \text{ hour} = 3 \text{ hours}
\]
### Step 4: Calculate Average Velocity
Now that we have both total displacement and total time, we can calculate the average velocity using the formula:
\[
\text{Average Velocity} = \frac{\text{Total Displacement}}{\text{Total Time}}
\]
Substituting the values we calculated:
\[
\text{Average Velocity} = \frac{100 \text{ km (north)}}{3 \text{ hours}} \approx 33.33 \text{ km/h (north)}
\]
### Step 5: Analyze the Options
Now, let's compare our calculated average velocity with the provided options:
- A. 50 km/h north
- B. 25 km/h north
- C. 100 km/h north
- D. 75 km/h south
None of the options match our calculated average velocity of approximately 33.33 km/h north. Therefore, it seems there was an error in the recorded correct option.
### Step 6: Why Other Options Are Incorrect
- **Option A (50 km/h north):** This is incorrect because it does not account for the total displacement and time correctly. The average velocity is lower than this value.
- **Option B (25 km/h north):** This is also incorrect as it underestimates the average velocity based on the total displacement and time.
- **Option C (100 km/h north):** This is incorrect because it suggests a much higher average velocity than what is calculated.
- **Option D (75 km/h south):** This is incorrect as it indicates a southward direction, which does not reflect the overall displacement of 100 km north.
### Common Pitfalls
- **Confusing Distance with Displacement:** Remember that distance is the total path traveled, while displacement is the straight-line distance from the start to the end point, considering direction.
- **Ignoring Direction:** Always pay attention to the direction when calculating displacement, as it affects the sign of the value.
### Revision Summary
- Average velocity is calculated as total displacement divided by total time.
- Total displacement considers direction; in this case, it was 100 km north.
- Total time for the trip was 3 hours.
- The average velocity calculated was approximately 33.33 km/h north, which does not match the provided options.
In conclusion, the correct average velocity for the car's trip is approximately 33.33 km/h north, and the recorded correct option of A (50 km/h north) is incorrect.