How is speed measured?
Quick Answer
Measuring speed requires time (T) and a known distance (D). Using the formula distance = rate x time (D=R*T), one determines the average speed by dividing distance by time, or R = D/T. This method assumes the object being measured is already in motion.
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Full Answer
- Determine the units
Time units are always in hours, minutes or seconds. Distance units can be either metric or imperial.
- Select a known distance based on the units chosen
Select two points, A and B, to represent the known distance. It should be long enough to make an accurate time measurement. The shorter the distance, the more precise the time measurement must be.
- Observe the object at point A, and begin timing
As the object passes point A, start measuring the time. Using second hands on a watch or stopwatch increases accuracy when using shorter distances.
- Observe the object at point B, and stop timing
Note the elapsed time the object took to travel between the two points.
- Divide the distance by the time to obtain an average speed
Using the formula R = D/T, determine the average rate of speed. This is usually expressed as distance per time unit.
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