Question

A racecar, traveling at constant speed, makes one lap around a circular track of radius r
in a time t. Determine the magnitude of the average velocity of the car for one complete
lap.

Answer 1

Answer on Question #40936 – Physics - Mechanics | Kinematics | Dynamics

A racecar, traveling at constant speed, makes one lap around a circular track of radius $r$ in a time $t$. Determine the magnitude of the average velocity of the car for one complete lap.

Solution:

Remember that average velocity is related to displacement. It is $\left(\frac{\text{total displacement}}{\text{time}}\right)$. Because the racecar has traveled complete lap, total displacement is 0 (car’s starting point is the same as endpoint). So then, the formula for average velocity is:

$$\frac{\text{Total displacement}}{\text{Total time}} = \frac{0}{t} = 0$$

Answer: magnitude of the average velocity of the car is 0.