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Time, distance, and speed are three unique variables in the field of physics. Speed refers to the quickness of an object when traveling from one point to another point. Speed is called a scalar quantity in the language of physics.
Distance is the space that exists between any two points of location. The distance can also be understood as the space that a particular object has traveled while moving. The measurement of distance is done through various units such as meters, kilometers, yards, miles, inches, feet, etc.
Time refers to the interval between two particular unique events. The progression of time is such that it goes from the past into the present and then into the future. Time is nothing we can feel or see, touch or taste. All we can do is measure the passage of time progressing. Events that take place in a three-dimensional space are described using the help of time.
Time distance speed formula:
There is a relationship that exists between these 3 unique variables in the field of physics. The time distance speed formula represents the relation of the three.
Speed = Distance / Time [ / = division]
From the above formula we can see:
- Speed is in direct proportionality with distance.
- Speed is in inverse proportionality with time.
- Time is in direct proportionality with distance.
From the above formula we get two new formulae:
- Time = Distance / Speed
- Distance = Speed x Time
Units of time, distance, speed.
Distance, speed, and time each have their respective units, they are:
- The distance can be measured by a variety of units such as kilometers, meters, yards, inches, centimeters, millimeters, etc.
- Time has a bunch of units itself such as seconds, minutes, hours, lightyears.
- Speed can be commonly expressed as m/hr or km/ hr. Where m meters, “km” is kilometers and “hr” is hours.
Application of distance, speed, time:
Average speed:
The average speed of any item is equal to its total distance traveled divided by the entire time it took to cover that distance.
Average speed = [total distance] / [total time]
There are two cases when learning the concept of average speed
Case 1: when the distance traveled by the objects is constant and there are two speeds given.
Let’s say the speeds given are y and z respectively, then the average speed becomes:
2yz / y+z [ / = division]
Case 2: when the time given in the problem is a constant average the speed is calculated as:
[z+y] / 2
Where y and z are the two respective speeds of the objects.
Relative speed:
relative speed is the relation between the speeds of two or more objects. A concept to remember while studying relative speed is that the speed of objects gets combined when the objects are moving in the opposite directions. Furthermore, the speeds would get subtracted when the objects are moving in the same direction.
When objects are moving in the opposite direction with speeds V and W respectively then the relative speed of the two is given by the formula:
V + W
When objects are moving in the same direction with speeds V and W respectively then the relative speed of the two is given by the formula:
V – W
Inverse proportionality of speed and time:
When the variable of distance has a fixed value speed is said to be inversely proportional to time. This relationship allows two unique methods to solve problems of physics, they are:
To apply inverse proportionality
To apply the constant product rule
Conclusion
The concepts of time, distance, and speed are experienced by each and everyone one of us in our daily lives. These simple, yet fundamental aspects of mathematics make the subject more interesting as there are practical applications associated with them. Be sure to conduct independent research to learn more about the topic of time, distance, and speed.
