Question

Why is the speed, In general, greater than the magnitude of the velocity?

Answer 1

Step 1: Definition of speed and velocity

Speed is defined as,

$Speed=\frac{Dis\tan ceTravelled}{TimeTaken}$

While,

$Velocity=\frac{Displacementofobject}{Timetaken}$

Step 2: Explanation for the magnitude of speed is greater than velocity

An Object starts traveling from point $A$ and reached point $C$, Then It came back to point $B$. The total time taken is $T$.

Now,

the distance traveled by object =$X+Y+Y$

Distance Traveled=$X+2Y$

and

Now displacement is the shortest distance between the initial position and final position.

The Displacement of the object from Its initial Position = $X$

Displacement of Object =$X$

Step 3: Finding speed and velocity for above case

Speed = $\frac{X+2Y}{T}$

Speed=$\frac{X}{T}+\frac{2Y}{T}$

Velocity= $\frac{X}{T}$

On Comparing speed and velocity we get, The Magnitude of speed is greater than the magnitude of velocity.

Because Displacement is always less than or equal to the distance travelled.

Hence, the speed, In general, is greater than the magnitude of the velocity.