Question

It recently was estimated that \(T\). rex could run no faster than about \(11 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}\). At this speed, how long would it take T. rex to run \(200 \mathrm{~m}\) ?

Short answer

The T. rex would take approximately 18.18 seconds.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Problem

We need to calculate the time it would take for a T. rex to run a distance of 200 meters at a speed of 11 meters per second.

Writing the Formula

We use the formula for time which is derived from the formula for speed: \[ \text{time} = \frac{\text{distance}}{\text{speed}} \] where distance is 200 meters and speed is 11 meters per second.

Substitute the Values

Place the given values into the formula: \[ \text{time} = \frac{200 \, \text{m}}{11 \, \text{m/s}} \]

Perform the Calculation

Calculate the division: \[ \text{time} = \frac{200}{11} \approx 18.18 \text{ seconds} \].

Conclusion

It would take the T. rex approximately 18.18 seconds to run 200 meters at the speed of 11 meters per second.

Key concepts

Physics Education

Physics education is a fundamental component of understanding the natural world around us. It helps students grasp concepts related to matter and energy and how they interact. One core aspect of physics education is learning how to approach problem-solving tasks, using calculations and formulas.

In the problem given, students learn how to determine the time it takes for an object to travel a certain distance, a practical application of physics principles. This involves:

• Understanding the problem statement.
• Using known formulas and principles.
• Applying mathematical operations to work through the problem.

Physics essentially enables students to inquire and explore phenomena, making sense of real-world events using logical reasoning and quantitative analysis. It builds skills not only in science but also in critical thinking and problem-solving more broadly.

Distance-Time Relationship

The distance-time relationship is a crucial concept in physics that helps us understand motion. It's based on the principle that speed is a function of both distance and time. When an object moves, it covers a certain distance in a specific amount of time.

The formula used to calculate time in our exercise is derived from the fundamental relationship:

• Speed is calculated as \( \text{speed} = \frac{\text{distance}}{\text{time}} \).
• Rearranging this formula gives us \( \text{time} = \frac{\text{distance}}{\text{speed}} \).

By understanding this relationship, students can solve a wide array of problems related to motion. Importantly, practicing this type of calculation reinforces the understanding that if you know how fast something is moving and the distance it covers, you can easily determine the time it takes.

Problem-Solving in Science

Problem-solving is at the heart of scientific inquiry and education. It involves a series of steps that start with understanding the problem and end with validating the solution. In science, especially physics, solving a problem often means translating a real-world scenario into a mathematical one.

To solve the exercise about T. rex's speed, a systematic approach was used:

• Breaking down the problem: Identify what is given and what needs to be found.
• Applying the right formula: Use the known equations that relate distance, time, and speed.
• Performing calculations: Carefully substitute the values and conduct the calculations.
• Interpreting results: Check if the results make sense in the context of the problem.

This approach not only leads to the correct answer but also enhances cognitive skills. It teaches students how to systematically tackle various kinds of problems, reinforcing their capability to apply learned knowledge in new contexts.