Swimmer P starts from one end of a straight pool

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Kinematics · Kinematics

Problem

Swimmer P starts from one end of a straight

100\,\text{m}

pool, swims to the other end and immediately returns to the starting point in

2\,\text{min}

. Swimmer Q starts from the same point and swims straight

100\,\text{m}

to the opposite end in the same time. Which statement correctly compares the magnitudes of their average speeds and average velocities? (a)

P

and

Q

have the same average speed, but

P

’s average velocity is zero while

Q

’s is non-zero. (b)

P

and

Q

have the same average velocity, but

P

’s average speed is larger. (c)

P

has greater average speed than

Q

, and

P

's average velocity is zero while

Q

's average velocity is non-zero. (d)

P

has zero average speed, whereas

Q

has the same non-zero values of average speed and average velocity.