The speedometer on a bicycle moving east reads 50 km/h. It passes another bicycle moving west at 50 km/h. Do both bikes have the same speed? Do they have the same velocity?

Answer 1

To determine whether both bicycles have the same speed or the same velocity, we need to analyze these terms:

1. Speed is a scalar quantity representing how fast an object is moving, regardless of its direction. In this case, both bicycles have a speed of 50 km/h. So, yes, both bikes have the same speed.

2. Velocity is a vector quantity that includes both speed and direction. The first bicycle is moving east at 50 km/h, while the second bicycle is moving west at 50 km/h. Since they are moving in opposite directions, their velocities are different.

In summary:

• Both bicycles have the same speed (50 km/h).
• Both bicycles do not have the same velocity (one is east, and the other is west).