Speed

What does speed tell you?

The distance an object travels in a given time (usually in m/s)

What is the equation for an object travelling at a constant speed?

Distance travelled (m) = (average) speed (m/s) x time (s)

What do objects rarely travel at?

A constant speed; an objects speed is always changing

What is the typical speed for walking?

1.4 m/s (5 km/h)

What is the typical speed for running?

3 m/s (11 km/h)

What is the typical speed for cycling?

5.5 m/s (20 km/h)

What is the typical speed for a car in a built-up area?

13 m/s (47 km/h)

What is the typical speed for a car on a motorway?

31 m/s (112 km/h)

What is the typical speed for an aeroplane?

250 m/s (900 km/h)

What is the typical speed for a train?

Up to 55 m/s (200 km/h)

What is the typical speed for a ferry?

15 m/s (54 km/h)

What is the typical speed for windspeed?

5-20 m/s

What is the typical speed for the speed of sound in air?

340 m/s

How do you calculate speed?

Measure the distance and time (For distances less than 1m and times longer than 1s, a stopwatch and a metre ruler should be used)

What equipment is best for short times?

Light gates, they get rid of the human error caused by reaction times

What equipment is best for finding a person’s walking speed (which is quite large)?

Use a rolling tape measure and markers to measure and mark out distances