Question Video: Comparing the Velocities of Two Objects with the Same Travel Time Science • Third Year of Preparatory School

Video Transcript

Two objects travel from point 𝐴 to point 𝐵 along the paths shown. The objects leave point 𝐴 simultaneously and arrive at point 𝐵 simultaneously. Which of the following correctly compares the velocities of the objects? Is it (A) the velocities are not equal but have the same direction? (B) The velocities are equal. Or (C) the velocities are not equal but have equal magnitudes.

If we look at the problem, we can see that the two objects travel by different paths. But the starting and ending positions are the same for both of them. Although it is also true that the distances traveled are equal, we only need to consider their initial position 𝐴 and their end position 𝐵, because we’re asked about their velocities and not their speeds.

Another important fact that we’ve been given is that they leave from point 𝐴 and arrive at point 𝐵 simultaneously, meaning the time taken for the displacement to occur is the same for both. Since the starting and ending positions of both objects and the time spent is the same for both, we know the direction and the magnitude of the displacement is the same. This means that the velocity of both is equal, and the correct choice is option (B).