Question

multiple choice question
two sprinters will race around a track. which one will cross the finish line first?

the one with the greatest average speed.

the one with the greatest instantaneous speed.

the one with the greatest instantaneous acceleration.

the one with the lowest average speed.

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Explanation:

Average speed is defined as total distance traveled divided by total time taken ($\text{Average Speed} = \frac{\text{Total Distance}}{\text{Total Time}}$). For a fixed track distance, a higher average speed means less total time to complete the race. Instantaneous speed only reflects speed at a single moment, not overall race time. Instantaneous acceleration relates to speed change, not total time to finish. A lower average speed would result in more time to finish.

Answer:

The one with the greatest average speed.