Displacement, time and average velocity

[Equilibrium]

Homework Statement

In an experiment, a shearwater (seabird) was taken from its nest, flown 5150km away, and released. It found its way back to its nest 12.5 days after it was released. If we place the origin at the nest and extend the +x-axis to the release point what was the bird's average velocity for a.) The return flight? b.) the whole episode, from leaving the nest to returning?

Homework Equations

$$V_{ave} = \frac{\delta{d}}{\delta{t}}$$

The Attempt at a Solution

t = 12.5 days (24 hrs/ 1day) = 300hr
a.) 5150 km / 300hr = 17.2 km /hr

b.) I think the answer is zero

 

[HallsofIvy]

Yes, that is correct. Since the problem asked for "velocity" rather than "speed", to find the average velocity for the entire trip, you use the same starting and ending point- the net distance is 0.

 

[m2003]

, as the displacement is zero since the bird returned to its original position. However, if we consider the displacement as the total distance traveled (5150km + 5150km = 10300km), then the average velocity would be 34.3 km/hr. It is important to clarify the definition of displacement in this scenario.