How to Calculate Average Velocity on a Circular Track?

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The average velocity of a car traveling on a circular track at a constant speed of 20 m/s is 0 m/s after completing one lap. This is because average velocity is defined as the change in displacement over time, and since the car returns to its starting point, there is no change in displacement. In contrast, the average speed remains 20 m/s, as it measures the total distance traveled divided by time. Understanding the distinction between average velocity and average speed is crucial in solving such problems. Therefore, the key takeaway is that while speed can be constant, average velocity can be zero in circular motion.
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Homework Statement


A car travels on a circular track at 20m/s. The track has a circumference of 2.0km. What is the average velocity of the car over one lap?

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The Attempt at a Solution


Since the car is traveling at a constant speed of 20m/s, wouldn't the average velocity be 20m/s? The answer key says 0.
 
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Cannot you imagine why 0 is a valid answer?
 
Check the definitions of average velocity and average speed.
 
Oh, my bad. Since the car arrives back at the same location, there is no change in displacement and thus, average velocity is 0.
 
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cvc121 said:
Oh, my bad. Since the car arrives back at the same location, there is no change in displacement and thus, average velocity is 0.
Yessir! :oldbiggrin:
 

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