Question

A gnat takes off from one end of a pencil and flies around erratically for 25.1 seconds before landing on the other end of the same pencil. If the gnat flew a total distance of 3.15 meters, and the pencil is 4.63 cm long, find the gnat\'s average speed, as well as the magnitude of the gnat\'s average velocity vector.

Answer 1

The proper steps in doing any physics question are: Write down variables, draw your FBDs, and break it down into its x and y components.

Answer 2

Alright. So what would be what?

Answer 3

Because I've been doing it by division.

Answer 4

http://www.smarterthanthat.com/physics/physics-dont-panic-10-steps-to-solving-most-physics-problems/ starting at 4 or 5.

Answer 5

So do I need to subtract the two distances then divide by time?

Answer 6

No.

Answer 7

Then I'm confused.

Answer 8

What's the difference between speed and velocity.

Answer 9

velocity is a vector I think

Answer 10

And what's the properties of a vector?

Answer 11

derived. I know velocity is m/s

Answer 12

So should I just ignore the 4.63 cm part and just stick with the 3.15 meters?

Answer 13

Here's a big hint: 3.15 m is for the speed, and the velocity is directly related to 4.63 cm.

Answer 14

Okay so it would be 3.15m/ 25.1s then?

Answer 15

Which one would that be solving for?

Answer 16

speed?

Answer 17

Yes.

Answer 18

Because for the velocity you would take 3.15 *.0463/25.1

Answer 19

Okay so it would be 3.15m/25.1s =.125 m/s?

Answer 20

And what's that solving for?

Answer 21

that's solving for speed. The .125 m/s

Answer 22

Correct.

Answer 23

How about velocity?

Answer 24

It would .00184 m/s

Answer 25

Thanks for the help!

Answer 26

(don't forget that velocity requires direction too)

Answer 27

Right. I think I got it. Thanks for your help!

Answer 28

Good stuff. seeya