Calculate Average Speed Object Travels 72 Cm In 2 Hours
Hey guys! Let's dive into a fun math problem where we need to figure out the average speed of an object. This is a classic physics question that combines basic math skills with a real-world concept. So, grab your thinking caps, and let’s get started!
Understanding Average Speed
Before we jump into solving the problem, let’s make sure we all understand what average speed really means. Average speed isn't about how fast something is going at any specific moment, but rather the total distance it travels divided by the total time it takes. Think of it like this: if you drive 120 miles in 2 hours, your average speed is 60 miles per hour, even if you sped up or slowed down during the trip. We are finding one constant speed that would have completed the journey in the same time.
To calculate the average speed, we use a simple formula:
Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time
This formula is your best friend for these types of problems. It helps us break down the information we have and find what we’re looking for. Remember, the units are super important! If the distance is in centimeters (cm) and the time is in hours (h), our average speed will be in centimeters per hour (cm/h). Keeping track of units ensures our answer makes sense and is in the correct format.
Breaking Down the Problem Step by Step
Now, let's apply this understanding to our specific question. We have an object that travels 72 cm in 2 hours. To find its average speed, we’ll follow these steps:
- Identify the Total Distance: In our problem, the total distance the object travels is 72 cm. This is the length of the path the object covers from start to finish. Think of it as the total “ground” covered by the object during its journey.
- Identify the Total Time: The total time taken for this journey is 2 hours. This is the duration from the moment the object starts moving until it stops. Make sure your time is in the correct units. In this case, it’s already in hours, which is perfect!
- Apply the Formula: Now, we plug these values into our formula: Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time. So, we have Average Speed = 72 cm / 2 hours.
- Perform the Calculation: To find the average speed, we simply divide 72 by 2. This gives us 36. So, the average speed is 36 cm/h.
- Check the Units: Always double-check that your units make sense. We divided centimeters by hours, so our answer is in centimeters per hour (cm/h), which is exactly what we wanted.
So, just like that, we’ve calculated the average speed of the object. By breaking the problem down into smaller steps, we made it super easy to solve. Remember, identifying the total distance and total time is key, and the formula does the rest!
Solving the Problem: Step-by-Step
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of solving our problem. The question asks: What is the average speed in cm/h of an object that travels 72 cm in 2 hours? We're given four options: a) 18 cm/h, b) 24 cm/h, c) 36 cm/h, and d) 48 cm/h. Let’s break it down together so it's crystal clear.
Step 1: Identify the Given Information
First things first, let's figure out what information we already have. This is like gathering our tools before we start building something. In this case, we know:
- The total distance traveled by the object is 72 cm.
- The total time it took to travel that distance is 2 hours.
These are our key ingredients! Knowing what you have is the first step in any problem-solving scenario. It's like having the right pieces of a puzzle laid out in front of you. Without this information, we’d be trying to solve the problem in the dark.
Step 2: Recall the Formula for Average Speed
Remember our trusty formula? This is the magic equation that will help us find the answer. As we discussed earlier, the formula for average speed is:
Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time
Keep this formula in your back pocket. It’s the backbone of solving any average speed problem. Think of it as the secret code that unlocks the solution. When you see a problem asking about average speed, this formula should immediately pop into your head.
Step 3: Plug in the Values
Now comes the fun part – plugging in the numbers! We’re going to take the information we identified in Step 1 and fit it into our formula. So, we replace the words “Total Distance” with 72 cm and “Total Time” with 2 hours. Our equation now looks like this:
Average Speed = 72 cm / 2 hours
This step is like putting the right ingredients into a recipe. Once we have the numbers in place, the calculation is the next natural step. It's important to make sure you put the values in the correct spots, or your final answer won't be right!
Step 4: Perform the Calculation
Time to do the math! We need to divide 72 by 2. This is a simple division problem, and you can probably do it in your head or on a piece of paper. 72 divided by 2 is 36.
Average Speed = 36 cm/h
Ta-da! We’ve got our answer. This calculation is the heart of solving the problem. It's where all our preparation pays off. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to use a calculator or do the math step by step to ensure accuracy.
Step 5: Choose the Correct Option
Now, let's look back at the options given in the question. We have:
- a) 18 cm/h
- b) 24 cm/h
- c) 36 cm/h
- d) 48 cm/h
Our calculated average speed is 36 cm/h, which matches option c). So, we’ve found the correct answer!
This final step is crucial. Always double-check your answer against the options provided. It’s easy to make a small mistake in calculation, so making sure your result matches one of the choices confirms you’re on the right track. Plus, it feels great to confidently circle the correct answer!
Why This Matters: Real-World Applications
You might be thinking,
