Average velocity

Definition

Average velocity is the total displacement divided by the total time taken. It provides a measure of how fast an object is moving over a given time interval.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Average velocity is calculated as $v_{avg} = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}$, where $\Delta x$ is displacement and $\Delta t$ is the time interval.
2. It can be positive or negative depending on the direction of motion.
3. Average velocity differs from average speed; average speed considers the total distance traveled while average velocity considers displacement.
4. In uniform motion, average velocity equals instantaneous velocity at any point in time.
5. When analyzing motion along a straight line, if an object returns to its starting point, its average velocity is zero.

Review Questions

• How do you calculate average velocity?
• What distinguishes average velocity from average speed?
• Can average velocity be zero even if an object has moved? Explain with an example.

Related terms

Displacement: The change in position of an object; it is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction.

Instantaneous Velocity: The rate of change of position at a specific point in time; it can be found using derivatives.

Derivative: A measure of how a function changes as its input changes; in physics, it often represents rates of change like velocity or acceleration.