Question 833 of 949
A car travels 150 kilometers north in 2 hours and then 50 kilometers south in 1 hour. What is the average velocity of the car for the entire trip?
- 50 km/h north
- 60 km/h north
- 33.33 km/h north
- 100 km/h north
Correct Answer:
C
Explanation
To find the average velocity of the car for 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.
2. **Second Leg of the Trip**: The car then travels 50 kilometers south.
To find the total displacement:
- The displacement from the starting point after the first leg is +150 km (north).
- After the second leg, the car moves 50 km south, which reduces the northward displacement.
So, the total displacement can be calculated as:
\[
\text{Total Displacement} = 150 \text{ km (north)} - 50 \text{ km (south)} = 100 \text{ km (north)}
\]
### Step 3: Calculate Total Time
1. **Time for the First Leg**: The car takes 2 hours to travel 150 kilometers.
2. **Time for the Second Leg**: The car takes 1 hour to travel 50 kilometers.
Total time taken for the trip is:
\[
\text{Total Time} = 2 \text{ hours} + 1 \text{ hour} = 3 \text{ hours}
\]
### 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 found:
\[
\text{Average Velocity} = \frac{100 \text{ km (north)}}{3 \text{ hours}} \approx 33.33 \text{ km/h (north)}
\]
### Conclusion
The average velocity of the car for the entire trip is approximately **33.33 km/h north**. Therefore, the correct option is **C**.
### Step 5: Analyze Other Options
- **Option A: 50 km/h north**: This option is incorrect because it does not take into account the total displacement and time correctly. The average velocity is not simply the average of the two speeds.
- **Option B: 60 km/h north**: This option is also incorrect. It suggests a higher average speed than what is calculated based on the total displacement and time.
- **Option D: 100 km/h north**: This option is incorrect as it implies that the car traveled 100 km in 1 hour, which is not the case. The average velocity must consider the total distance and the time taken.
### Revision Summary
- Average velocity is calculated as total displacement divided by total time.
- Displacement considers direction; in this case, the net displacement is 100 km north.
- Total time for the trip is 3 hours.
- The average velocity for the trip is approximately 33.33 km/h north.