Zero average speed but nonzero average velocity?

[pozishunvecta]

Homework Statement

Is it possible to have zero average speed but nonzero average velocity?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

This is probably completely wrong, but I'll put it up anyway:
If one's frame of reference is also the center of an arbitrary circle, then an object that travels along the circumference of that circle will have zero average speed but nonzero average velocity.

 

[PeterO]

Homework Statement

Is it possible to have zero average speed but nonzero average velocity?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

This is probably completely wrong, but I'll put it up anyway:
If one's frame of reference is also the center of an arbitrary circle, then an object that travels along the circumference of that circle will have zero average speed but nonzero average velocity.

It is pretty hard to travel anywhere with a zero average speed.

Having a zero average velocity but no-zero average speed is certainly possible.

Unless you are using an I-PAD or laptop, your average velocity during the time interval from when you posted this question to when you read this response will be zero - you will be back in front of your computer - so total displacement will be zero. Your average speed could be quite different, as you possibly went and got a cup of coffee while you waited.