Calculate the speed of the car at each checkpoint by dividing the distance between each checkpoint in meters by the change in time. Record your answers in Table C of your Student Guide. The speed at the first quarter checkpoint is m/s. The speed at the second quarter checkpoint is m/s. The speed at the third quarter checkpoint is m/s. The speed at the finish line is m/s.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To calculate the speed of the car at each checkpoint, we follow these steps:
Step-by-step Process:
- Identify the Distance: Determine the distance between each checkpoint. The distance is typically given in meters (m). For example, if the total race distance is 1,000 meters, each checkpoint could be a quarter of the way, meaning the first checkpoint is at 250 meters, the second at 500 meters, and so on.
- Calculate the Time Interval: The change in time between each checkpoint is calculated by subtracting the time at one checkpoint from the time at the next checkpoint. For example, if the time at the first checkpoint is 20 seconds and the time at the second checkpoint is 40 seconds, the change in time is 40 seconds – 20 seconds = 20 seconds.
- Calculate the Speed: The speed at each checkpoint is calculated using the formula:
[
\text{Speed} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}}
]
For each checkpoint, divide the distance traveled from the starting point to the checkpoint by the time taken to reach that checkpoint. - Record the Speed: After calculating the speed for each section (from start to the first quarter, first quarter to second quarter, second quarter to third quarter, and third quarter to finish line), record the results in the table provided.
Example:
If the race distance is 1,000 meters, and the times to reach each checkpoint are as follows:
- First quarter checkpoint: 250 meters in 20 seconds.
- Second quarter checkpoint: 500 meters in 40 seconds.
- Third quarter checkpoint: 750 meters in 60 seconds.
- Finish line: 1,000 meters in 80 seconds.
We calculate the speed for each segment:
- First quarter checkpoint:
[
\text{Speed} = \frac{250 \text{ meters}}{20 \text{ seconds}} = 12.5 \text{ m/s}
] - Second quarter checkpoint:
[
\text{Speed} = \frac{500 \text{ meters}}{40 \text{ seconds}} = 12.5 \text{ m/s}
] - Third quarter checkpoint:
[
\text{Speed} = \frac{750 \text{ meters}}{60 \text{ seconds}} = 12.5 \text{ m/s}
] - Finish line:
[
\text{Speed} = \frac{1,000 \text{ meters}}{80 \text{ seconds}} = 12.5 \text{ m/s}
]
In this example, the speed at each checkpoint is 12.5 m/s, and the results should be recorded in Table C.
Explanation:
This process involves basic kinematic equations, where speed is the ratio of distance to time. By dividing the total distance traveled by the time taken to reach that point, we can determine the instantaneous speed at each checkpoint. These speeds provide a clear indication of the car’s performance at different segments of the race.