Instantaneous and average speed

AI Thread Summary
Instantaneous and average speed can be equal when the speed is constant throughout a given time interval. In this case, the instantaneous speed at any moment matches the average speed calculated over the total distance and time. The discussion also highlights that if the average is taken over different time intervals, the values may vary. Additionally, it raises the question of whether this equality is purely theoretical or applicable in practical scenarios. Understanding these concepts is essential for analyzing motion in physics.
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Can instantaneous and average speed be equal to each other in any why ? if it can can you please give me an example ??
 
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alyafey22 said:
Can instantaneous and average speed be equal to each other in any why ? if it can can you please give me an example ??

Here's one situation in which they are equal. If the speed is constant, then the instantaneous and the average speed are the same. In other words, the speed at any instant is equal to the speed you calculate by taking the total distance traveled and dividing it by the time taken to travel that distance.
 
Be a more specific. Do you want to take average from the time when it was at rest to the instant at which you are taking instantaneous speed or average over a sufficiently long time. Also is it a theoretical case or purely practical?
 
Instantaneous speed is just the average speed taken over a small time interval. If you take average speeds over different time intervals they may or many not be equal.
 

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