How would you define "average velocity" and "average speed"? What's the difference?
2007-02-23 18:27:41 · 4 answers · asked by XB 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The modifier "average" in this case simply refers to a measurement taken over an extended period of time, as opposed to calculating the quantity at an exact moment.
As far as the difference between speed and velocity: Velocity is a vector quantity, which means that it has direction in space, as well as magnitude(size). Speed is defined as the magnitude of velocity, which makes it a scalar, meaning that it has no spatial direction, or components, but is just a number.
In general, scalars can be negative, but in the case of speed, it is defined as an absolute value, so it cannot be negative.
2007-02-23 18:45:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Velocity is the rate of change of displacement. Displacement is a vector, and so is velocity. Average velocity would be the vector difference between the final and initial displacements, divided by the time taken.
Speed is the distance travelled in unit time, and is a scalar. Average speed would be the total distance travelled divided by the time taken.
2007-02-24 03:43:10 · answer #2 · answered by Bharat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
av. speed is the total distance travelled per unit time whereas velocity is the displacement of a body per unit time.
speed is a scalar quantity whereas velocity is a vector quantity, i.e it ca be negative or positive
2007-02-24 02:34:23 · answer #3 · answered by ziyaad rcc 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
av velocity is the av speed of an objct in a single direction.
av speed is the av speed of an object regardless of direction.
2007-02-24 02:37:43 · answer #4 · answered by maginoodle 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋