Trevor is charting the motion of his pet tortoise across the floor. The diagram below shows its position every 60 seconds.

Question

Which of the following statements about the motion of the tortoise is true?
A.
The tortoise's speed is increasing through time.
B.
The tortoise is moving at a constant speed.
C.
The tortoise's position is not changing through time.
D.
The tortoise's speed is decreasing through time.

Answer 1

To determine the correct statement regarding the motion of the tortoise, we need to analyze its position over time based on the diagram that you mentioned. Since I cannot see the diagram, I'll guide you through the analysis.

1. If the tortoise's position is changing in a way that shows an increase in distance over time (like consistently moving forward), then:

   • A. If the distance is increasing at an accelerating rate, that would mean the speed is increasing.
   • B. If the distance is increasing at a fixed rate, that would mean the tortoise is moving at a constant speed.
   • D. If the distance is increasing but the increments are getting smaller, that would mean the speed is decreasing over time.

2. If the tortoise's position remains constant (no change in distance), then:

   • C would be true, indicating the tortoise is not moving at all.

Based on what you observe in the diagram:

• If the positions taken are consistent (equal intervals of distance covered), choose B.
• If the distances are increasing gradually but in smaller increments, choose D.
• If there is no change in position, choose C.
• If the tortoise is moving faster over time, choose A.

Please refer to the diagram and the positions noted for the correct assessment. If you can summarize the changes in distance, I can help confirm the reasoning for the correct choice!