Question

For a body moving along a zig-zag path as shown in the figure,
Identify the correct statement:

• A. Average velocity of the body is zero.
• B. Average velocity of the body is less compared to the average speed of the body for the entire journey.
  
• C. Average velocity of the body is greater compared to the average speed of the body for the entire journey.
  
• D. Average speed and average velocity of the body is equal.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Average velocity of the body is less compared to the average speed of the body for the entire journey.


It is clear from figure that total path length of the journey is more as compared to the distance $AB$.
$\Rightarrow AB$ is the displacement of body.
$\Rightarrow \text{Displacement covered}\left(\Delta S\right)<\text{Distance covered}\left(S\right)$
let the time interval for the journey be $\Delta t$
$\Rightarrow \frac{\Delta S}{\Delta t}<\frac{S}{\Delta t}$
$\Rightarrow {\text{velocity}}_{\text{avg}}<{\text{speed}}_{\text{avg}}$