CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS LAB AVERAGE SPEED
PURPOSE: To determine your average speed in a particular event, and to use your average speed
to calculate an unknown distance.
INTRODUCTION: Average speed is a measure of how fast an object moves over a certain time
period:
average speed =total distance covered
time interval
or
s!=!d
t
MATERIALS:
Stopwatch, tape measure or meter sticks
PROCEDURE:
Part A: Average Speed Determination
For this part of the lab, you need to choose an activity such as walking or running, and determine
your average speed for that activity.
1. Use a tape measure to mark a distance somewhere between 15 and 20 meters; record this
distance:_______
2. Record your chosen activity: ____________________________
3. Construct a data table below for additional information necessary to solve the problem. Be sure
to allow for multiple trials.
4. While collecting your data, try to keep your speed as constant as possibly. Your times should not
vary by too much!
5. Calculate your average speed for this activity in the space below, being sure to show all your
work and include units in your calculations.
