Average velocity

Definition

Average velocity is the total displacement divided by the total time taken for that displacement. It is a vector quantity that indicates both magnitude and direction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Average velocity can be calculated using the formula $\bar{v} = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}$, where $\Delta x$ is the displacement and $\Delta t$ is the time interval.
2. Displacement is different from distance; it takes into account only the initial and final positions, not the path taken.
3. Average velocity can be positive, negative, or zero depending on the direction of displacement relative to a chosen reference direction.
4. If an object returns to its initial position, its average velocity over the entire journey is zero because the net displacement is zero.
5. Units for average velocity are typically meters per second (m/s) in SI units.

Review Questions

• How do you calculate average velocity?
• What is the difference between displacement and distance when determining average velocity?
• Why can average velocity be zero even if an object has traveled a non-zero distance?

Related terms

Instantaneous Velocity:

The velocity of an object at a specific moment in time. It can be found as the derivative of position with respect to time.

Speed: A scalar quantity that refers to how fast an object is moving regardless of its direction. It is calculated as distance traveled divided by time taken.

Displacement:

A vector quantity that refers to an object's change in position from its starting point to its ending point in a straight line.