What is the difference between average and final velocity?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between average velocity and final velocity in physics. Average velocity is calculated as the total distance traveled divided by the total time taken, exemplified by driving 500 miles in 9 hours, resulting in an average speed of approximately 55.56 mph. Final velocity, on the other hand, refers to the speed at a specific moment, such as reaching 60 mph at the finish line or achieving 19.6 m/s after 2 seconds of free fall under constant acceleration of 9.8 m/s². The relationship between average and final velocity is highlighted through the formula for constant acceleration, where average speed equals the arithmetic mean of initial and final speeds.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic kinematics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of speed and velocity
  • Knowledge of constant acceleration principles
  • Ability to perform arithmetic calculations involving averages
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the equations of motion under constant acceleration
  • Learn about the concept of instantaneous velocity
  • Explore real-world applications of average and final velocity in physics
  • Investigate the effects of varying acceleration on speed calculations
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Students studying physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion and velocity calculations.

poloplaya2008
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I'm doing a report and i have NO IDEAH what the difference is between Average and Final velocity! I have checked every where! :eek:

Please help! :confused:
 
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Suppose you drive a distance of 500 miles in 9 hours, taking a stop for lunch. What was your average speed?

Just to look good to the crowd, you speed up at the last minute and cross the finish line at 60 mph. What was your final speed? (Yes, that really is as trivial a question as it looks!)

Probably you are looking at a problem where you are dropping something. Let's say you drop a ball and it take 2 seconds to hit the ground. Since the acceleration is 9.8 m/s2, in those two seconds its speed increases from 0 by 9.8(2)= 19.6 so its final speed is 19.6 m/s.

For the simple case of "constant acceleration", the average speed is just the arithmetic average of the initial and final speeds: here (0+ 19.6)/2= 9.8 m/s.
 
Thank U Soooooooo Much!
 

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