Question

using the statements below, determine if each description refers to speed or velocity. select the correct answer in each row. a train travels northwest at 40 km/hr. a boy rides his bike at 10 m/s. an airplane travels 580 mph toward san diego. a skateboarder is headed west at 10 mph. a school bus travels at 20 km/hr.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall speed - velocity definitions

Speed is a scalar quantity (only magnitude). Velocity is a vector quantity (magnitude and direction).

Step2: Analyze "A train travels northwest at 40 km/hr"

Has magnitude (40 km/hr) and direction (northwest), so it's velocity.

Step3: Analyze "A boy rides his bike at 10 m/s"

Only has magnitude (10 m/s), no direction specified, so it's speed.

Step4: Analyze "An airplane travels 580 mph toward San Diego"

Has magnitude (580 mph) and direction (toward San Diego), so it's velocity.

Step5: Analyze "A skateboarder is headed west at 10 mph"

Has magnitude (10 mph) and direction (west), so it's velocity.

Step6: Analyze "A school bus travels at 20 km/hr"

Only has magnitude (20 km/hr), no direction specified, so it's speed.

Answer:

1. Velocity
2. Speed
3. Velocity
4. Velocity
5. Speed