Question 331 of 949
A car travels 150 kilometers to the north in 2 hours. What is the car's average velocity during this time period?
- 75 km/h north
- 75 km/h
- 150 km/h north
- 150 km/h
Correct Answer:
A
Explanation
To determine the average velocity of the car that travels 150 kilometers to the north in 2 hours, we need to follow a systematic approach. Let's break it down step-by-step.
### Step 1: Understanding Average Velocity
Average velocity is defined as the total displacement divided by the total time taken. Displacement is a vector quantity that refers to the change in position of an object, taking into account the direction of travel.
### Step 2: Identify the Given Information
- **Distance traveled**: 150 kilometers (to the north)
- **Time taken**: 2 hours
### Step 3: Calculate Displacement
Since the car travels in a straight line to the north, the displacement is equal to the distance traveled:
- **Displacement** = 150 kilometers north
### Step 4: Calculate Average Velocity
The formula for average velocity (\( v_{avg} \)) is:
\[
v_{avg} = \frac{\text{Displacement}}{\text{Time}}
\]
Substituting the values we have:
\[
v_{avg} = \frac{150 \text{ km north}}{2 \text{ hours}} = 75 \text{ km/h north}
\]
### Step 5: Final Answer
The average velocity of the car is **75 km/h north**.
### Step 6: Evaluate the Options
Now, let's look at the provided options:
- **A. 75 km/h north**: This is the correct answer as it includes both the magnitude and direction of the average velocity.
- **B. 75 km/h**: This option is incomplete because it does not specify the direction. Average velocity is a vector quantity and must include direction.
- **C. 150 km/h north**: This option incorrectly suggests that the average velocity is equal to the total distance divided by a shorter time. The average velocity is not simply the distance divided by the time taken in this case.
- **D. 150 km/h**: Similar to option B, this option fails to include the direction and also misrepresents the average velocity calculation.
### Summary of Why Other Options are Incorrect
- **B** lacks direction, making it an incomplete representation of average velocity.
- **C** and **D** incorrectly calculate the average velocity, suggesting a misunderstanding of the relationship between distance, time, and velocity.
### Common Pitfalls
- Forgetting to include direction when calculating average velocity.
- Confusing average speed (a scalar quantity) with average velocity (a vector quantity).
- Misapplying the formula by not using displacement instead of total distance when calculating average velocity.
### Revision Summary
- Average velocity is calculated as displacement divided by time.
- Displacement considers direction; hence, it is important to specify it.
- The correct average velocity for the car is **75 km/h north**.
- Always ensure to include direction when dealing with vector quantities like velocity.