In the equation q = k * V, what does q represent?

In the equation q = k * V, what does q represent?

• A. Speed
• B. Density
• C. Flow Rate
• D. Time

Answer: (C)

The main idea is understanding what q stands for in this relation. In traffic flow, q is the flow rate—the number of vehicles passing a point per unit time (for example, vehicles per hour). The equation q = k · V links flow rate to density and speed: k is the density (vehicles per mile) and V is the speed (miles per hour). Multiply how many vehicles are packed on a mile of road by how fast they’re moving, and you get how many vehicles pass a point each hour. So q represents flow rate, not speed, density, or time.

The main idea is understanding what q stands for in this relation. In traffic flow, q is the flow rate—the number of vehicles passing a point per unit time (for example, vehicles per hour). The equation q = k · V links flow rate to density and speed: k is the density (vehicles per mile) and V is the speed (miles per hour). Multiply how many vehicles are packed on a mile of road by how fast they’re moving, and you get how many vehicles pass a point each hour. So q represents flow rate, not speed, density, or time.