Question

So, I think I may understand this problem, but I just want to make sure I'm heading in the right direction. So, a runner runs around a track consisting of two parallel lines 96m long connected at the ends by two semicircles with a radius of 49m. She completes one lap in 100 seconds. What is her average velocity?
Okay, so, obviously, average velocity is change of distance divided by the change in time, I got that far. Now, I was thinking that she does not really change position does she? Because if the lines are both parallel with each other, she's kind of just at her same position (cont)

Answer 1

regardless of where she runs. Right? So i was thinking the answer to be 0m/s. Am i thinking about this correctly?

Answer 2

Do you have an actual image? It's somewhat vague.

Answer 3

Unfortunately no. It didn't come with a picture. I had to actually draw it out. Sorry :(

Answer 4

is it correctly?

Answer 5

I feel like that's right. That is how I drew it as well.

Answer 6

why you say answer is 0m/s ?

Answer 7

My reasoning is kind of off,but I think it is because, since the paths are parallel, her position does not really change. Am i right to think that?
Also 0m/s is the solution. I just saw it on the answer key.

Answer 8

Average velocity is defined as displacement over time.
Displacement is a vector unlike distance.
Since she ends up where she began, displacement is 0.

Answer 9

Oooh okay. Thank you! That is a lot more easier to understand than whatever i had in mind.