Question

Differentiate between average speed and average velocity.

Answer 1

1. Average speed is a scalar quantity, while average velocity is a vector quantity.
2. Average speed takes into account the total distance traveled, while average velocity is concerned with the displacement between two points.
3. In average velocity, direction is expressed.
4. More often than not, the values will differ, with average speed usually having the higher value.
5. Average velocity can be equal to zero, even when the body has completed a traveling motion, as long as the destination point is back at the origin. In this case, the average speed will always have a greater value.

Average Velocity = Total displacement/time interval

Average Speed = Distance covered/time interval