Question

In a race, an athlete covers a distance of 372 m in 186 sec in the first lap. He covers the second lap of the same length in 62 sec. What is the average speed (in m/sec) of the athlete?

• A. 2
• B. 1
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 3

The average speed of the athlete is $3\text{ m/sec}$.

1. Calculate Total Distance

The athlete runs two laps of the same length:

• First lap distance: $372\text{ m}$

• Second lap distance: $372\text{ m}$

• Total distance: $372\text{ m} + 372\text{ m} = 744\text{ m}$

2. Calculate Total Time

Add the time taken to complete both laps:

• First lap time: $186\text{ sec}$

• Second lap time: $62\text{ sec}$

• Total time: $186\text{ sec} + 62\text{ sec} = 248\text{ sec}$

3. Compute Average Speed

Use the average speed formula, which is total distance divided by total time:
$\text{Average Speed} = \frac{\text{Total Distance}}{\text{Total Time}}$
$\text{Average Speed} = \frac{744\text{ m}}{248\text{ sec}} = 3\text{ m/sec}$

Final Answer

The average speed of the athlete across the two laps is $3\text{ m/sec}$.