What is how to calculate average velocity?

To calculate average velocity, you need to understand the following:

• Definition: Average velocity is the displacement of an object divided by the total time it took for that displacement. It's not simply the average of the initial and final speeds unless the acceleration is constant.

• Formula: The formula for average velocity (v_avg) is:

  v_avg = Δx / Δt

  where:

  • Δx is the displacement (change in position)
  • Δt is the time interval (change in time)

• Displacement vs. Distance: It's crucial to use displacement, not distance, when calculating average velocity. Displacement is a vector quantity (has magnitude and direction), while distance is a scalar (only has magnitude).

• Units: Velocity is typically measured in meters per second (m/s), kilometers per hour (km/h), or miles per hour (mph). Make sure your units are consistent.

• Direction: Velocity is a vector, meaning it has both magnitude (speed) and direction. Indicate the direction (e.g., positive or negative, North, South, East, West) when specifying average velocity. If the motion is one-dimensional you can show direction with the signs "+" or "-".