Distance Calculation: Car At 72 Km/h

Hey guys! Let's dive into a classic physics problem involving distance, speed, and time. We've got a car cruising at 72 km/h for a couple of hours, and we need to figure out how far it goes. Then, we'll see how much further it travels if it keeps going at the same speed for a few more hours. Buckle up, it's going to be a fun ride!

Part 1: Distance Covered in 2 Hours and 15 Minutes

First things first, let's break down the initial part of the journey. We know the car is traveling at a speed of 72 km/h, and the time it travels is 2 hours and 15 minutes. To calculate the distance, we'll use the good old formula:

Distance = Speed × Time

But before we plug in the numbers, we need to make sure our units are consistent. We have the speed in kilometers per hour (km/h), so we need the time in hours as well. 2 hours is already good to go, but we need to convert those 15 minutes into hours. There are 60 minutes in an hour, so 15 minutes is 15/60 = 0.25 hours. Adding that to the 2 hours, we get a total time of 2.25 hours.

Now we can plug the values into our formula:

Distance = 72 km/h × 2.25 hours

Calculating this, we get:

Distance = 162 kilometers

So, the car travels a distance of 162 kilometers in the first 2 hours and 15 minutes. Awesome! We've conquered the first part of our journey. It’s important to always double-check your units and make sure they align before performing calculations, as this is a common mistake that can lead to incorrect answers. The formula Distance = Speed × Time is a fundamental concept in physics, and understanding how to apply it is crucial for solving a variety of problems. Remember, the key is to ensure that the units of speed and time are compatible; if speed is in km/h, time should be in hours, and if speed is in m/s, time should be in seconds. This consistency will ensure the distance is calculated correctly, avoiding any potential errors. Thinking about the problem conceptually can also help. We know the car is moving at a certain pace, and the longer it travels at that pace, the more ground it will cover. This intuitive understanding can act as a check on our calculations, making sure the answer makes sense in the context of the problem.

Part 2: Distance Covered in 3 More Hours

Alright, the car is still cruising at the same speed of 72 km/h, and now it's going to travel for another 3 hours. We need to figure out how much further it goes. Guess what? We'll use the same trusty formula again:

Distance = Speed × Time

This time, things are a bit simpler. We already have the speed in km/h and the time in hours, so we can just plug them in:

Distance = 72 km/h × 3 hours

Calculating this, we get:

Distance = 216 kilometers

So, in the next 3 hours, the car travels an additional distance of 216 kilometers. Sweet! We've solved the second part of the problem. Understanding the relationship between speed, time, and distance is fundamental in physics and everyday life. This simple equation can be applied to a multitude of situations, from planning a road trip to understanding the motion of objects in space. The beauty of this formula lies in its simplicity and its wide-ranging applicability. The direct proportionality between distance and time, when speed is constant, is a concept that resonates with our everyday experiences. For instance, when we walk, the faster we walk (higher speed), the more distance we cover in the same amount of time. This intuitive understanding helps solidify the concept and makes it easier to remember and apply. Moreover, this problem highlights the importance of problem-solving skills in physics. We broke down the problem into smaller, manageable parts, and then applied the appropriate formula to each part. This step-by-step approach is a valuable strategy for tackling more complex problems as well. By systematically analyzing the given information, identifying the unknowns, and choosing the correct formulas, we can effectively solve a wide range of physics problems.

Final Thoughts

We've successfully calculated the distances the car travels in two different time intervals. The key takeaway here is the relationship between distance, speed, and time, and how we can use the formula Distance = Speed × Time to solve problems. Remember to always pay attention to units and make sure they are consistent before doing any calculations.

I hope this explanation was helpful and clear, guys! Keep practicing these types of problems, and you'll become a physics pro in no time. Understanding these basic principles not only helps in academics but also provides a foundation for comprehending the world around us. From understanding how long it takes to travel from one place to another to estimating the speed of a moving object, these concepts are relevant in numerous real-life scenarios. The ability to apply these principles empowers us to make informed decisions and predictions, enhancing our understanding of the physical world. Furthermore, solving physics problems like this hones our analytical and problem-solving skills. By breaking down complex scenarios into smaller, manageable steps, we develop a systematic approach that is applicable across various domains. This skill set is not only valuable in academic pursuits but also in professional settings, where problem-solving is a critical aspect of many roles. Therefore, mastering these foundational concepts in physics provides a significant advantage in both academic and practical aspects of life.