Question

a cyclist rides along a winding path, maintaining a speed of 15 km/h. as the cyclist navigates the curves, the direction of travel changes frequently, resulting in variations in velocity.
which statement best describes the difference between the cyclists speed and velocity in this context?
a. the cyclists speed is consistently 15 km/h, while the velocity changes due to variations in direction.
b. the cyclists velocity remains constant at 15 km/h since the speed is unchanging, with only direction affecting the speed.
c. the cyclists speed indicates how fast they are going, but their velocity can remain constant if the speed is unchanged, regardless of direction.
d. the cyclists velocity is always equal to the speed multiplied by the time taken, which changes continuously as the cyclist turns.

Explanation:

Speed is a scalar quantity (only magnitude), so it remains 15 km/h. Velocity is a vector quantity (magnitude and direction). Since the direction changes (navigating curves), velocity changes even though speed (magnitude) is constant.

• Option B is wrong because velocity doesn't remain constant (direction changes).
• Option C is wrong because direction affects velocity, not speed.
• Option D is wrong because velocity is not speed × time (displacement/time for velocity, distance/time for speed).

Answer:

A. The cyclist's speed is consistently 15 km/h, while the velocity changes due to variations in direction.