Monday, September 10, 2012
Usain Bolt's World Record Run
Usain Bolt holds the world record for the fastest time to complete a 100 m dash. He set this record in August of 2009. It appears that his fastest instantaneous velocity is 12.35 m/s (at 7.08 s). If applied to the formula v = ∆x / t this gives a time of 8.097 s, yet his record time was 9.58 s. For a bonus point added onto your homework this week post a comment explaining why these times do not match up.
Please note that this point will only be added to your assignment to make up for a missed point. You cannot earn a 16/15 on your homework. This comment thread may be used as a discussion, but only appropriate and constructive comments will earn points.
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Because his velocity decreased after he peaked at 12.35 m/s. This brought his average velocity back from 8.097 s to 9.58 s.
ReplyDeleteHe did not run the full 100 m race at his maximum velocity of 12.35 m/s. His lower velocity at the beginning and end of the race caused his average distance per second to drop to 9.58 seconds from 8.097 seconds.
ReplyDeleteBecause he wasn't running his full velocity the entire time as at the beginning he accelerated and was not up to full speed.
ReplyDeleteMr. Bolt was not at full velocity throughout the entire race. He accelerated to his full velocity of 12.35 m/s but it took time to do this.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like all the comments revolve around Usain running various speeds throughout the race, rather than his maximum speed. What if I told you that if he instantaneously got up to his max speed and maintained it the whole time he would still have finished slower than 8.097s? In fact, he would finish at 8.243 s. Why?
ReplyDeleteMaybe because no one has taken into account the time it takes Bolt to physically start to run. (His time off the gun.)
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