Solution
Related Formula
vavg = Total DistanceTotal TimeCore Logic
Let's find the time taken for each section of the motion:
- First section of distance x with velocity v₁ = 5~m/s:
- Second section of distance (3)/(2)x with velocity v₂:
Total distance is:
dtotal = x + (3)/(2)x = (5)/(2)xAverage velocity is:
vavg = dtotalt₁ + t₂ = ((5)/(2)x)/((x)/(5) + (3x)/(2v₂))We are given vavg = (50)/(7)~m/s. Equating the two values (noting x cancels out):
(50)/(7) = ((5)/(2))/((1)/(5) + (3)/(2v₂))Divide both sides by 5:
(10)/(7) = ((1)/(2))/((1)/(5) + (3)/(2v₂)) 10 ((1)/(5) + (3)/(2v₂)) = (7)/(2) 2 + (15)/(v₂) = 3.5 (15)/(v₂) = 1.5 v₂ = (15)/(1.5) = 10~m/sStep 1: Final Conclusion
The velocity v₂ is 10~m/s.
Pattern Recognition
Never take simple arithmetic averages of velocities! Average velocity must always be calculated as Total DistanceTotal Time. Because total distance and time intervals are proportional to x, x cleanly cancels out.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Physics: Kinematics