How Do You Calculate a Car's Average Velocity?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate a car's average velocity, the formula used is the change in displacement divided by the change in time. In this case, the car travels 20 meters in 14 seconds, so the average velocity is 20 meters divided by 14 seconds, resulting in approximately 1.43 m/s. The confusion arises from whether to consider initial and final velocities, but for average velocity, the simple division suffices. Average velocity is defined as the total displacement over total time taken. Therefore, the average velocity for the car is 1.43 m/s to the left.
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Homework Statement



A car starting from rest accelerates to the left. It takes 14 seconds to travel a distance of 20 meters. What is the car's average velocity?

I'm really confused by this question I'm not sure whether to use change in displament divided by change in time or (Velocity Initial + Velocity Final)/2?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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I just need to know what formula to use. Do you just divide 20 by 14 or do you do 1/2 times 0 + (whatever 20 divided by 14 is). So in other words...is 20/14 the average velocity or final velocity?
 
What is the definition of average velocity?
 

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