9. In an experiment, a student observes an object as it travels in one direction along a straight path. Which TWO of the following measurements does the student need to calculate the average speed of the object?
Answer: B,C
The student needs to measure the distance traveled and the elapsed time to calculate the average speed of the object.
To calculate the average speed of an object, the student requires the total distance traveled and the total time taken for that distance. This relationship is captured in the formula for average speed, which is distance divided by time.
A) The object's mass
The mass of the object is not relevant to calculating average speed. Average speed is defined by the distance traveled over time, and mass does not provide any information about how fast the object is moving in a straight path.
B) The distance traveled
This measurement is crucial for calculating average speed, as it provides the numerator in the speed formula. Without knowing how far the object has traveled, the student cannot determine the average speed.
C) The elapsed time
Elapsed time is equally important for calculating average speed, serving as the denominator in the speed formula. Without knowing how long the object has been traveling, the average speed cannot be computed.
D) The environmental temperature
The environmental temperature does not affect the calculation of average speed. While it may influence other factors like air resistance or the object's performance, it is not a necessary measurement for determining speed.
Conclusion
The correct answer includes the measurements of distance traveled and elapsed time, both of which are fundamental to calculating average speed. Other options, such as mass and temperature, do not contribute to this calculation and therefore are not necessary for determining the average speed of an object.