A student walks from the hostel to the library by following these straight-line…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A student walks from the hostel to the library by following these straight-line paths:
• 1.0km due east at a constant speed of 5kmh−1,
• 1.0km due north at 4kmh−1.
Without stopping, the student immediately returns to the hostel along exactly the same two paths but at different constant speeds:
• 1.0km due south at 6kmh−1,
• 1.0km due west at 3kmh−1.
(i) Calculate the time taken for each of the four legs and hence find the total time for the entire excursion.
(ii) Determine the total distance travelled and the magnitude of the net displacement on completion of the trip.
(iii) Compute the average speed for the full journey.
(iv) Find the magnitude and direction of the average velocity for the whole motion, expressing the direction as an angle with respect to the eastward direction.