Velocity Measurements

Abstract

To develop an understanding of average and interval velocities, consider a Texas automobile trip from Dallas to Houston. We log the following mileage and times: We leave Dallas at 1:00 p.m. and arrive in Corsicana 60 miles away at 2:15 p.m. We then arrive in Madisonville (160 miles) at 4:00 p.m., Conroe (200 miles) at 5:00 p.m., and Houston (250 miles) at 6:30 p.m. This time-distance information is tabulated and the average velocity (average velocity = distance/time) computed. Similarly, the interval times and distances between cities are found and the interval velocities calculated (interval velocity = interval distance/interval time). The interval velocities are the average velocities between cities. The results are listed in table 6.1.