In kinematics, velocity is not the same as speed. While speed tells you how fast an object is moving, velocity tells you how fast it is moving and in what direction. Calculating the average velocity over a journey is a fundamental physics concept.
Velocity is a vector quantity; it has both magnitude and direction.
Average velocity can be zero or even negative, but average speed is always positive (or zero if at rest).
A negative average velocity simply means the net movement was in the opposite direction of the chosen axis.
Average Velocity is defined as the total displacement divided by the total time taken.
Average Velocity (v) = $\frac{\text{Total Displacement (\Delta x)}}{\text{Total Time Taken (\Delta t)}}$
If (and ONLY if) an object is moving in a straight line with a constant uniform acceleration, the average velocity can be calculated by simply averaging the initial and final velocities:
Average Velocity = $\frac{\text{Initial Velocity (u)} + \text{Final Velocity (v)}}{2}$
Imagine you run one lap around a 400m circular track in 100 seconds.
Since you returned to your starting point, your total displacement is zero. Therefore, your average velocity for the entire trip is 0 km/hr.
37.6 Celsius to Fahrenheit — What is 37.6°C in °F?
37.6°C is equal to 99.68°F. Use the formula °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32. A temperature of 37.6°C indicates a mild fever in the human body.
38.2 Celsius to Fahrenheit — What is 38.2°C in °F?
38.2°C is equal to 100.76°F. Use the formula °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32. A temperature of 38.2°C is a moderate fever above the normal 37°C.
38.5 Celsius to Fahrenheit — What is 38.5°C in °F?
38.5°C is equal to 101.3°F. Use the formula °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32. A temperature of 38.5°C is a moderate fever requiring medical attention.
A Biker Rides 700m North then 300m East — Find Displacement
A biker rides 700m north then 300m east. Displacement = 100√58 m ≈ 761.6 m at 23.2° east of north. Distance = 1000 m. Step-by-step vector solution.
A Body at Rest May Have — What Properties Are Possible?
A body at rest may have potential energy and acceleration. It has zero velocity, zero momentum, and zero kinetic energy. It cannot have velocity or momentum.
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