College Physics II – Mechanics, Sound, Oscillations, and Waves
Definition
Elapsed time is the total duration taken for an event to occur, measured from its start to its end. It is a scalar quantity typically measured in seconds, minutes, or hours.
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Elapsed time is crucial for calculating average velocity using the formula $\text{average velocity} = \frac{\text{displacement}}{\text{elapsed time}}$.
In motion along a straight line, elapsed time helps determine how long an object has been in motion.
It is often denoted by the symbol $\Delta t$ in equations.
Elapsed time does not depend on the path taken but only on the initial and final times.
The unit of elapsed time in the International System of Units (SI) is seconds (s).
Review Questions
What is elapsed time and how is it represented in equations?
How do you calculate average velocity using displacement and elapsed time?
Why is elapsed time considered a scalar quantity?
Related terms
Displacement: Displacement is a vector quantity that refers to the change in position of an object. It has both magnitude and direction.
Average Velocity: $Average\ velocity = \frac{\text{displacement}}{\text{elapsed time}}$. It is a vector quantity representing the rate of change of displacement over time.
$\Delta t$: $\Delta t$ symbolizes elapsed time in physics equations. It represents the difference between the final and initial times.