A woodchuck runs 20 m to the right in 5 s, then turns and runs 10 m to the left in 3 s. (a) What is the average velocity of the woodchuck? (b) What is its average speed?

a) Average velocity = 1.25 m/s to the rightb) Average speed = 3.75 m/s

Step-by-step explanation:

A woodchuck runs 20 m to the right in 5 s, then turns and runs 10 m to the left in 3 s.

Total displacement = 20 - 10 = 10 m to the right

Total time = 5+3 = 8 s

Total distance = 20 + 10 = 30 m

a) We have

Total displacement = Average velocity x Time

10 = Average velocity x 8

Average velocity = 1.25 m/s to the right

b) We have

Total distance = Average speed x Time

30 = Average speed x 8

Average speed = 3.75 m/s