What is the relationship between speed, distance, and time in linear motion?

The relationship between speed, distance, and time in linear motion is defined by the formula that describes how these three variables interact with one another. Specifically, speed is the measure of how fast an object is moving, expressed as the distance traveled over a specific period of time.

The correct formulation states that speed equals distance divided by time. This means if you know the total distance an object travels and the time it takes to cover that distance, you can calculate the speed of the object. For example, if a car travels 100 miles in 2 hours, its speed can be calculated as 100 miles divided by 2 hours, resulting in a speed of 50 miles per hour.

Understanding this relationship is fundamental in physics and various real-world applications, such as calculating travel times, determining engine performance, and analyzing motion in different contexts. Knowing that speed combines these two factors (distance and time) allows for greater insight into various mechanical and physical systems.