Question

In an experiment, a shearwater (a seabird) was taken from its nest, flown a distance 5220 km away, and released. It found its way back to its nest 13.3 days after release.a) If we place the origin in the nest and extend the +x-axis to the release point, what was the bird's average velocity for the return flight? b)What was the bird's average velocity in m/s for the whole episode, from leaving the nest to returning?

Answer 1

Answer:

a) The average velocity of the bird for the return flight was -392 km/day.

b) For the whole trip, the average velocity is zero.

Explanation:

Hi there!

The average velocity (AV) is calculated as the displacement over time:

AV = Δx / Δt

Where:

Δx = displacement  = final position - initial position.

Δt = elapsed time.

a) First, let´s find the displacement:

The initial position is 5220 km away from the origin and the final position is the origin, 0 km. Then:

Δx = final position - initial position

Δx = 0 km - 5220 km = -5220 km

The elapsed time, Δt, is 13.3 days.

Then, the average velocity will be:

AV = Δx / Δt

AV = -5220 km / 13.3 days

AV = -392 km/day

The average velocity of the bird for the return flight was -392 km/day.

b) Again, let´s find the total displacement, Δx:

Δx = final position - initial position

For the whole trip, the final and initial position are the same (the nest, i.e, the origin), then, Δx = 0.

Thus, the average velocity will be zero:

AV = Δx/Δt = 0/Δt = 0 m/s

For the whole trip, the average velocity is zero.