Clair throws a softball 7.2 m east to Sasha, who then throws it 9.5 m west back to Clair who had to move back to catch the ball. The time takes 6.0s.

Question

Calculate: the velocity

Answer 1

To calculate the velocity, we need to find the total displacement and divide it by the total time.
First, let's find the total displacement.
Clair throws the ball 7.2 m east.
Sasha throws the ball 9.5 m west.
Since Clair moves back to catch the ball, her displacement will be negative.
Therefore, the total displacement is 7.2 m - 9.5 m = -2.3 m.

Now, let's calculate the velocity.
Velocity is defined as displacement divided by time.
V = Δx ÷ Δt
V = -2.3 m ÷ 6.0 s

Calculating the velocity:
V = -0.383 m/s

Therefore, the velocity of the ball is -0.383 m/s.