Question

3 maya is analyzing the motion of two cars, a and b, traveling along a straight road. the diagram shows their positions at one - second intervals. based on this information, what can maya conclude about the cars’ speeds and velocities? a. car a has a higher speed and velocity than car b. b. car a and car b have the same speed, but different velocities. c. car b has a higher speed than car a, but they have the same direction. d. car a and car b have the same velocity, but different directions.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall speed - distance/time formula

Speed = $\frac{\text{distance}}{\text{time}}$. For Car A, distance per 1 - second interval is 2 cm. So speed of Car A, $v_A=\frac{2\text{ cm}}{1\text{ s}} = 2\text{ cm/s}$. For Car B, distance per 1 - second interval is 3 cm. So speed of Car B, $v_B=\frac{3\text{ cm}}{1\text{ s}}=3\text{ cm/s}$. So $v_B>v_A$.

Step2: Analyze direction

Both cars are moving along the same straight - line path in the same direction (from left to right as per the diagram). Velocity is speed with direction. Since they are moving in the same direction and $v_B > v_A$, Car B has a higher speed than Car A and they have the same direction.

Answer:

C. Car B has a higher speed than Car A, but they have the same direction.