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Gather the timings of the winners of the 100 m, 200 m, and 400 m races, for both men and women, from the last two Olympic Games. Using the formula speed = distance ÷ time, calculate the speed of each winner. Compare the speeds across the three events, and find out in which event the runners reach the fastest speed.
Show Answer
Calculating speed = distance ÷ time shows the sprint events have the highest average speeds.
Key Points
- For each winner, divide the race distance by the winning time to get the speed.
- The 100 m and 200 m sprints usually show the highest average speeds.
- The 400 m race has a slightly lower average speed than the sprints.
- This is because runners cannot keep their top speed for a longer distance.
- Comparing the events shows how average speed depends on the race distance.
Speed = distance ÷ time shows that the shorter sprint races have the fastest average speeds.
