What is Average velocity: Definition and 283 Discussions

The velocity of an object is the rate of change of its position with respect to a frame of reference, and is a function of time. Velocity is equivalent to a specification of an object's speed and direction of motion (e.g. 60 km/h to the north). Velocity is a fundamental concept in kinematics, the branch of classical mechanics that describes the motion of bodies.
Velocity is a physical vector quantity; both magnitude and direction are needed to define it. The scalar absolute value (magnitude) of velocity is called speed, being a coherent derived unit whose quantity is measured in the SI (metric system) as metres per second (m/s or m⋅s−1). For example, "5 metres per second" is a scalar, whereas "5 metres per second east" is a vector. If there is a change in speed, direction or both, then the object has a changing velocity and is said to be undergoing an acceleration.

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  1. B

    How to solve for distance give average velocity of magnitude

    I have changed the values, and the homework also changes every time I submit a response, I would just like to see an example worked out, so change the values as well if you want! 1. Homework Statement A person takes a trip heading south with an average velocity of magnitude 120.0 km/h except...
  2. I

    Average Velocity and Final Instantaneous Velocity

    Suppose a body moving in a curved path at a constant speed would its average velocity for a specific time period equal its final instantaneous velocity at the end of this period ?
  3. B

    Calculating Average Velocity for a Multi-Segment Trip

    Homework Statement A car travels along a straight stretch of road. It proceeds for 11 mi at 52 mi/h, then 25.4 mi at 43 mi/h, and finally 48.5 mi at 38 mi/h. What is the car’s average velocity during the entire trip? Answer in units of mi/h. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution...
  4. W

    How to calculate average velocity?

    Hello, Suppose given a sample data of particle traveling with following co-ordinates: x | y [(2, 2), (4, 2), (4, 3), (4, 4), (1, 3), (1, 1), (4, 4), (4, 1), (0, 4), (4, 2)] we want to calculate the Average velocity. How do we find it? If we use difference between initial and last won't give...
  5. AHashemi

    Calculate the average speed and average velocity

    1. a man drives from a to b with car and speed of 20 km/h and returns from b to a immediately with speed of 30 km/h. what's the average speed and average velocity? 2. V=at+Vi etc 3. I think avg. speed will be 25 km/h and avg. velocity is -10 km/h. Is that right? thanks :)
  6. M

    Find the average velocity of the molecules of neon before an

    Homework Statement A container has neon gas in the temperature 273 K. We heat the container to the temperature 373 k, keeping the volume constant. Find the average velocity of the molecules of neon before and after the heat. Homework Equations U=3/2vRT The Attempt at a Solution I thought to...
  7. P

    Basic Kinematics Problem -- Backpacker's average velocity and distance....

    Homework Statement Problem reads: In reaching her destination, a backpacker walks with an average velocity of 1.34 m/s, due west. This average velocity results because she hikes for 6.44 km with an average velocity of 2.68 m/s, due west, turns around, and hikes with an average velocity of 0.447...
  8. Quarlep

    Find average velocity of a sphere which expands and moves

    Homework Statement Find the average velocity of shell while its moves a velocity v' and expands a velocity v. Sphere radius is R Expansion velocity v Movement velocity v' Homework Equations I think there's no need an equation.[/B] The Attempt at a Solution I try to find average velocity...
  9. N

    Why is average velocity called velocity?

    1. Excuse the dumb questions, I've just started learning physics outside my school course. If this forum doesn't allow this level of questions, then please point me somewhere else. 2. I'm also not sure if I'm allowed to post multiple questions that fall under the same topic, I didn't see...
  10. Lesliedenise57

    What is the magnitude of the average velocity v of the car?

    Homework Statement A car is traveling a road that makes quarter of a circle with a constant speed s. What is the magnitude of the average velocity v of the car? Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution this is what I have down but I am not sure if I am right *constant speed formula...
  11. Poetria

    How Is Average Velocity Calculated in Circular Motion?

    Homework Statement A bicyclist makes a three quarter turn of radius 1.5 m at constant speed. During the turn, the only horizontal force acting on the bicyclist is a static friction force of constant magnitude 250 N. The total mass of the bicycle and rider is 60 kg.Homework EquationsThe Attempt...
  12. P

    Average velocity in uniform circular motion

    Suppose a particle undergoing uniform circular motion completes a cycle, then ##<\vec{v}> = \frac{Δ\vec{r}}{Δt} = \vec{0}##. But then again, isn't it also the mean of the two velocity vectors at that point? And aren't those two velocity vectors equal? So if the velocity at that point were, say...
  13. H

    Methods for calculating average velocity

    Homework Statement A child is pushing a merry-go-round. The angle through which the merry-go-round has turned varies with time according to θ(t)=γt+βt3, where γ= 0.383 rad/s and β= 1.00×10−2rad/s3. Calculate the average angular velocity ωav−z for the time interval t=0 to t= 5.50s. Homework...
  14. Poetria

    The average velocity of the point - numerical value of t

    Homework Statement During the first t seconds of motion, the average velocity of the point is zero. What is the numerical value of t? Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I don't understand this question. I understand that the average velocity is zero if the displacement in the...
  15. M

    How fast is Wolverine moving during his jump at the very end

    Or is there a way to calculate his speed? I know that since he's technically moving backwards, it's not the same speed as the train. The train's speed is about 300 mph.
  16. E

    How to Calculate Average Velocity with Displacement & Speed?

    Homework Statement A car travels 14.6 km west at a speed of 40 km/h, then travels 12.0 km south at a speed of 50 km/h and finally travels 19.0 km east at a speed of 45 km/h. What is the magnitude of the average velocity for the car over the entire trip? Homework Equations 3 kinematics...
  17. C

    Average velocity or average values of functions and calculus

    Hi, I have some questions regarding values of function and average acceleration/velocity and really just want to make sure i am right :) if a function, let's say acceleration = 2 m/s^2 is a constant Then the average acceleration = (v2-v1)/(t2-t1) between two points is the slope of a straight...
  18. C

    Average velocity, me understand

    Hi, can someone explain to my how average velocity is in any way significant? Could it not just be avoided or ignored in physics? Here is why: If you travel 10 meters forward and 10 meters backwards the average velocity is zero so it tells you nothing about how fast you went, only in one...
  19. nviander

    What Speed Do You Need for the Rest of Your Trip to Average 2 m/s?

    Homework Statement In going to the store, you walk half of the distance at 1 m/s. At this point, you decide that you should pick up the pace. You would like to average 2 m/s for the entire trip. How fast must you move for the remainder of your trip in order to do so? Hint: the answer is not 3...
  20. S

    Average velocity, displacement vector.

    Homework Statement Suppose that a car moves up north 100 km for 2 h and then turns towards east and travels in this direction 60 km for 1 h. a. Draw in the following diagram the displacement vector of the car? b. Determine the average velocity and the speed of the car. c. Answer the question...
  21. S

    Finding distance given two different velocities and times?

    Homework Statement On a straight track, a cart travels with a constant velocity of 2.5m/s for 9.0s. It then uniformly accelerates to a final velocity of 6.0m/s in 15s. Calculate the total distance traveled by the cart. Homework Equations Vavg = Vi+Vf/2 d=(Vf+Vi/2)x t d=Vi x t + 1/2at^2...
  22. P

    Displacement, Average Speed, and Average Velocity

    Okay so I don't understand how to do the displacement of distance and time on a graph. I also need help with figuring out the average speed and average velocity. The graph deals with a Turtle's journey. On the Y-axis of the graph is distance in meters and the x-axis is time in minutes. The...
  23. END

    Vectors: Average Velocity, Acceleration, Speed

    Homework Statement A car is moving with speed ##17.4m/s## due south at one moment and ##28.3m/s## due east ##7.50s## later. A. Determine the magnitude and direction of its average velocity over this time interval. B. Determine the magnitude and direction of its average acceleration over...
  24. S

    How Do You Calculate Average Velocity for a Two-Part Journey?

    Homework Statement Starting from the front door of your ranch house, you walk 55.0m due east to your windmill, and then you turn around and slowly walk 40.0m west to a bench where you sit and watch the sunrise. It takes you 25.0s to walk from your house to the windmill and then 47.0s to walk...
  25. S

    Why Is Average Velocity Calculated Differently in Various Scenarios?

    I'm trying to understand the kinematic equations well enough to explain to someone else, but the analogies I've come up with don't seem to be working well. 1) If a car travels 25 km/h for a certain distance, turns around in the opposite direction, and then turns back on its original path yet...
  26. B

    Average velocity practicing

    Homework Statement I am just practicing and I found this problem: A Body is moving with constant speed v along a circle of radius R. Find the average velocity of the body from time t=0 to t = R/3V. Before I try to solve it, can you explain what it means? If speed v is constant, isn't average...
  27. F

    Which Average Velocity Formula Should I Use?

    Hey guys I just had a question regarding the equation to calculate average velocity. The first equation I've seen is: Vf+Vi/2, with Vf representing final velocity and Vi representing initial velocity. The second equation I've seen is Xf-Xi/Δt, with X representing position and Δt representing the...
  28. C

    Average Velocity and resultant velocity

    A hiker begins a trip by first walking 25.0 km south east from her base camp in 8 hours. On the second day, she walks 40.0 km 60.0° north of east in 12 hours, at which point she discovers a forest ranger's tower. Determine the average velocity of the hiker Determine the resultant velocity of...
  29. G

    Average Velocity and Angle of Inclination of a Slope

    What is the relationship between a ball rolling down a slope (ramp) and its average velocity. I know we are supposed to use: v^2 = ut + at/2 and F = mgsin(degree). But assume initial velocity is zero. Also if I do an experiment and I get results (make a graph between average velocity and...
  30. J

    Average velocity in two dimension with given functions?

    Suppose that the position vector for a particle is given as a function of time by vector r (t) = x(t)i + y(t)j, with x(t) = at + b and y(t) = ct^2 + d, where a = 1.70 m/s, b = 1.05 m, c = 0.126 m/s2, and d = 1.12 m. So, I evaluated x(t) and y(t) at each time: x(t): 1.70*2.05+1.05 which...
  31. S

    MHB Use midpoint rule to estimate the average velocity?

    Use the midpoint rule to estimate the average velocity of the car during the first 12 seconds. Click here to see the graph from my book. i understand the midpoint rule is \frac{b - a}{n} so \frac{12}{4} = 3 so n = 3 I also know that \frac{1}{12} \int^{12}_{0} v(t)dt But now I'm...
  32. Q

    Average Velocity: Find the Answer

    Homework Statement The coordinate of an object is given as a function of time by x = 7t - 3t^2, where x is in meters and t is in seconds. Its average velocity over the interval from t = 0 to t = 2 s is? (1) -5 m/s (2) 5 m/s (3) 11 m/s (4) -11 m/s (5) -14.5 m/s Homework Equations Average...
  33. S

    Calculating Average Velocity from Acceleration?

    Homework Statement This is a real world application I'm attempting to solve, but I'm unsure how to get started. I have three contiguous segments of equal length and I know the average velocity for the first two segments. Assuming constant (but unknown) acceleration, how can I calculate the...
  34. S

    (Negative Average Velocity) Homework

    Thank you for helping! I got it :)
  35. S

    Confused with this negative average velocity

    EDIT ADDED: I already got it! Thank you for your ideas! :D 1. Homework Statement If you drive an average velocity of -72.8 Km/h for 55 minutes to a position that is 28.5 KM north of Jollitown, in what position did you start your drive?I'm confused with this negative average velocity, please...
  36. F

    Average acceleration from average velocity?

    Homework Statement A particle travels from point A to point B following a semicircular path (a half-circle) of radius 5 m, and it travels at a constant speed of 1 m/s. Find the average acceleration of the particle. Homework Equations Average acceleration = change in velocity/ change...
  37. C

    What is the Average Speed of a Car on a 100 Minute Trip?

    Homework Statement A car travels at a speed v (km/h) for 40 minutes, then at a speed v/2 for 40 minutes, and finally at a speed v/3 for 20 minutes. What is the average speed for the trip Homework Equations avg v = displacement / time The Attempt at a Solution 40v + 20v + 20/3 v...
  38. E

    Ambiguity in forumlas for average speed & average velocity

    I'm going to start with an example: On her way to school, a child discovered that her loonie is missing and there is a hole in her pocket. She turned back and walked 24 m east along the sidewalk. Then, she stopped for 18 s and decided to head back to school. After walking 11 m west, she found...
  39. Q

    How do you obtain electrons and know their average velocity?

    How do you obtain electrons and know their average velocity?? Hello guys! I am currently trying to experiment with charge accelerators. I soon tripped inside a really big hole. I soon realized that I didn't know how to measure the amount of charge(in coulombs) a charged conductor has. So...
  40. C

    Finding time given average velocity

    Homework Statement A car travels 120km East at 45km/hr, then goes West 50km at 70km/hr, then goes East again for time t at 40km/hr. If the average velocity for the entire trip is 30km/hr East, find the time t. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution time of car traveling East...
  41. C

    Clarification between average velocity and average speed

    To find average velocity, you do total displacement over total time To find average speed, you add up the speeds / total speeds there are? (Eg. (10+20)/2) Am I correct?
  42. X

    Average velocity of vehicle

    Homework Statement A vehicle accelerates from 2 m/s to 26 m/s in 12 seconds. Determine the acceleration. Also find the average velocity and the distance travelled. Homework Equations Average velocity = Total distance/ time taken The Attempt at a Solution Acceleration = (26-2)/12...
  43. W

    How Do You Calculate Average Velocity for Different Directions?

    girl walks 5.0 km [w] then 2.0 km [e] in 1.2h. determine averagee velocity. Please show work
  44. A

    Find the average velocity in the time intervals

    Homework Statement The position versus time for a certain particle moving along the x-axis is shown in Figure 1. Find the average velocity in the time intervals 0 to 2 s, 2 s to 4 s, 0 to 8 s. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I do not understand the question? I...
  45. M

    Physics homeowork Average Velocity

    Hello everyone i need help in my physics homework my class is tomorrow and i ve been trying to solve it since 2 days but i don't now how to A driver moves 1/3 of the way between two cities with speed of 60 km/hour he continuous with speed of 90 km/hour find the average velocity? the car...
  46. 1

    What is the Average Velocity of a Race Car on a Circular Track?

    Hi guys, sorry because I am quite confused. If a person runs a quartermile circular race track for 8 laps for 25.0 min, what is the average speed? What is the average velocity? Does that mean that the average velocity is zero m/s? Because the runner ends on the point where he started...
  47. V

    What is the Average Velocity of a Stone Tossed in the Air?

    Here is my problem: A stone is tossed in the air from ground level with an initial velocity of 20m/s. Its height at time t is h(t) = 20t-4.9t^2 m. Compute the stones avg velocity over the time interval [1.5,2.5]. I understand how to compute average velocity its Vavg=change in...
  48. V

    Average velocity of a falling object problem

    Homework Statement A falling object moves so that its height x above the ground at time t is given by the following equation: x = 100 m - (4.9 s-2)t2. Find its average velocity from t = 0 t t = 2 s. Homework Equations Average velocity = Δx/Δt The Attempt at a Solution I was...
  49. H

    Calculating Average Velocity of a Moving Train: Solving Kinematics Problem

    Hello, I have problem with this example. I don't speak English very well, so please forgive me if something isn't quite enough defined - as it should be in English Physics terminology. The train moves from the station with an acceleration a. After reaching velocity v moves farther with...
  50. V

    Displacement & Average Velocity

    Homework Statement A car travels in a straight line at 40 km/hr for 1 h and 60 km/hr for 2 h. A) How far does it travel? B) Find the average velocity. Homework Equations Average velocity = Δx/Δt (change in distance/change in time) The Attempt at a Solution In solving for A, I...
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