What is Average velocity: Definition and 283 Discussions

The velocity of an object is the rate of change of its position with respect to a frame of reference, and is a function of time. Velocity is equivalent to a specification of an object's speed and direction of motion (e.g. 60 km/h to the north). Velocity is a fundamental concept in kinematics, the branch of classical mechanics that describes the motion of bodies.
Velocity is a physical vector quantity; both magnitude and direction are needed to define it. The scalar absolute value (magnitude) of velocity is called speed, being a coherent derived unit whose quantity is measured in the SI (metric system) as metres per second (m/s or m⋅s−1). For example, "5 metres per second" is a scalar, whereas "5 metres per second east" is a vector. If there is a change in speed, direction or both, then the object has a changing velocity and is said to be undergoing an acceleration.

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  1. I

    Displacement, Time, and Average Velocity

    Homework Statement Two runners start simultaneously from the same point on a circular 200-m track and run in the opposite direction. One runs at a constant speed of 6.20 m/s, and the other runs at a constant speed of 5.50 m/s. when they meet, (a) for how long a time will they have been...
  2. T

    Average Velocity Graph: Determine its Values

    Graph : http://img354.imageshack.us/my.php?image=physicslp1.png or http://www.turboimagehost.com/p/766378/physics.JPG.html Questions: Determine its average velocity between the following times. 1. t = 25.0 s and t = 30.0s 2. t = 35.0 s and t = 50.0 sThe Attempt at a Solution average...
  3. S

    Instantaneous and average velocity help

    vAn objects moves horizontally according to the following equation s(t)=t3-2t2-5t+6. Determine the instantaneous velocity of the object at t0=1 second using the definition of a derivative at a point. v'(t)= lim (s(t0+h)-s(t0))/h h-->0 And What is the average velocity of the...
  4. T

    Getting the average velocity from a parabolic curve

    Homework Statement A ball accelerates steadily down a ramp, starting from rest. It goes 2m in 4s. What is the average velocity? The Attempt at a Solution Well, i didnt attempt it because i didnt get it i am thinking there is a typo and it is actually asking for the average acceleration...
  5. D

    Average velocity and a runner on a circular track

    Homework Statement A runner times his speed around a circular track with a circumference of 0.520 mi. At the start he is running toward the east and the track starts bending toward the north. If he goes halfway around, he will be running toward the west. He finds that he has run a distance of...
  6. V

    Calculate Average Velocity for Suzy's Jog

    When calculating an average velocity in a problem containing multiple velocities each occurring for different lengths of time, would I be correct in calculating the total displacement and then dividing by the total time? For example: Suzy goes for a jog one day. She runs at an average...
  7. K

    Average velocity and acceleration

    Homework Statement What is the average acceleration between time t = 2.2 s and time t = 9.6 s? http://img98.imageshack.us/my.php?image=prob20av2yo4.gif I've already found the average velocity between the two points to be 1.09×10^-1 m/s Homework Equations a= "delta"V / "delta" T...
  8. K

    True/False question about average velocity

    true/false;explain: the average velocity always equals one-half the sum of initial plus final velocities.
  9. A

    Average velocity and average speed problem.

    Homework Statement The people move toward the door at a speed V s=3.50m/s,are each d=.25m in depth, and are separated by L=1.75 m. The arrangement in Fig.2=22 occurs at time t=0(a) at what average rate does the layer of people at the door increase? (b) at what time does the layer's depth...
  10. A

    Average velocity and average speed problem.

    Homework Statement Compute your average velocity in the following 2 cases: (a): You walk 73.2 m at a speed of 1.22 m/s and then run 73.2 m at a speed of 3.005 m/s along a straight line. Homework Equations this asks for average velocity which equals=change of x/change of t or...
  11. T

    Determining Vertical Jump Height from Average Velocity

    I am a coach for athletes in various sports and have a problem that I can't figure out, but I'm hoping will be easy for someone here. I am looking to determine the height of a vertical jump from some limited information via an accelerometer. The accelerometer is attached near the center of...
  12. A

    How using the average velocity gives the exact value of s?

    Homework Statement When we got a constant acceleration or a variable acceleration (i.e. when the velocity of the moving object is not constant), we use averge velocity to be equal to (∆s/∆t). What I was wondering that if for example we got all the velocities so we can calculate the averge...
  13. J

    Explain why the average velocity of the gas molecules in a container is zero

    Hey there guys i am new here and not sure if this is in the right section, well here goes. Just doing some revision and realized I must have been asleep for the Kinetic theory lessons, i have now grasped some of the basics, but have come to this question and not usre how to answer it...
  14. O

    Maximizing Accuracy: Comparing Average and Instantaneous Velocity Calculations

    Instead of finding the average velocity http://theoryx5.uwinnipeg.ca/physics/onedim/node3.html , could you also find the instantaneous velocity of two points of a function and divide by 2 (or something similar, it may not be instantaneous).
  15. C

    Proving Constant Acceleration's Impact on Average Velocity

    Homework Statement Prove that if the acceleration is constant, the average velocity=vf+vi/2 Homework Equations average velocity=xf-xi/change in t xf=xi+vit+1/2at^2 vf^2=vi^2+2a(xf-xi) The Attempt at a Solution I started out by drawing a diagram: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Vi...
  16. B

    How do I use the average velocity equation for a car trip with breaks?

    Homework Statement A car takes a trip at 20m/s for a certain time interval. At any point in the trip (assuming it doesn't matter), the car takes a 10 minute break with no velocity. The average velocity for the trip is 15m/s The problem asks for the Total time and the distance travelled...
  17. C

    Average Velocity vs. Instantaneous Velocity

    The graph below shows a plot of velocity vs. time for an object undergoing uniformly accelerated motion. The object has instantaneous velocity v1 at time t1 and instantaneous velocity v2 at time t2. Use the graph and the fact that, when the acceleration is constant, the average velocity can be...
  18. S

    Calculating Average Velocity: v=total distance/total time & v = (v1+v2)/2

    When do you use the equation v=total distance/total time and when do you use the equation v = (v1+v2)/2 Thank you Stephen Doty
  19. D

    Average speed & average velocity Problem

    Homework Statement Brandon is climbing a mountain. He starts from an elevation of H1=511m above sea level. In 6.18 hours he climbs to an elevation of H2=2746m above sea level. The length of his path is L1=16000m. A)What is the average angle of ascent the path makes with the...
  20. C

    Constant velocity questions (average speed vs. average velocity)

    5. Q: "A boat crosses a 2.85 km lake in 28 min. Find it's average velocity". A: We want the answer in m/s, so I have to convert km to m, and min to s, right? Now I know how to do that, but not in the calculative way. I know that there is 1000 m in one km, so I multiplied 85 by 1000 and got 85...
  21. I

    Is this the average velocity of the car?

    Can anyone please help me out with these two questions?1. Starting from rest, a car travels 1350m in one minute. It accelerated at 1m/s2 until it reached its cruising speed. Then it drove the remaining distance at constant velocity. What was its cruising speed? All I did was I divided 60s into...
  22. H

    Find Average Velocity of X & Y Components

    Homework Statement A http://www.maniacworld.com/squirrel-obstacle-course.html has x- and y-coordinates ( 1.2 m, 3.9 m) at time t1=0 and coordinates ( 5.5 m, -0.60 m) at time t2 = 3.1 s. For this time interval, find the x & y component of the average velocity. Express your answer using...
  23. H

    How Far East Did the Backpacker Walk?

    Homework Statement In reaching her destination, a backpacker walks with an average velocity of 1.34 m/s, due west. This average velocity results because she hikes for 6.44 km with an average velocity of 2.68m/s, due west, turns around, and hikes with an average velocity of 0.447 m/s, due east...
  24. H

    What is the Average Velocity and Speed of a Moving Ball?

    Homework Statement http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/2256719644.jpg A ball moves in a straight line (the x-axis). The graph in the figure shows this ball's velocity as a function of time. What are the ball's average velocity during the first 3.0s ? What are the ball's average...
  25. H

    Calculate your average velocity from pillar to post

    Homework Statement Starting from a pillar, you run a distance 200m east (the x-direction) at an average speed of 5.0m/s , and then run a distance 280m west at an average speed of 4.0m/s to a post. Calculate your average speed from pillar to post. Calculate your average velocity...
  26. C

    How to Create an Average Velocity vs. Time Graph from Collected Data Points

    Homework Statement Make a graph of the average velocity vs. time using data points collected. Data points: (0.8023 s, 0.606 m) (0.9027 s, 0.710 m) (1.0031 s, 0.816 m) (1.1035 s, 0.912 m) (1.2039 s, 1.023 m) *s = seconds *m = meters Homework Equations Avg. Velocity =...
  27. L

    Calculating Horse's Average Velocity: 130m in 18.0 s

    Homework Statement A horse canters away from its trainer in a straight line, moving 130 m away in 18.0 s. It then turns abruptly and gallops halfway back in 5.2 s. Average speed is 8.41 m/s Calculate its average velocity for the entire trip, using "away from the trainer" as the positive...
  28. J

    Calculating Average Velocity in Time Intervals from a Position vs Time Graph

    Question: Find the average velocity over the time interval from 1 to 5 seconds. You will need to interpolate to find the position at time t=5 s . Do not simply eyeball the position or you will likely not be able to obtain the solution to the desired accuracy. (Referring to attached graph...
  29. J

    What is the average velocity of an object moving with a constant acceleration?

    Homework Statement An object starts from rest at the origin and moves along the x-axis with a constant acceleration of 4m/s^2. Its average velocity as it goes from x=2m to x=8m is? Homework Equations I think V=bt^2. But not quite sure. The Attempt at a Solution...
  30. E

    Displacement, time and average velocity

    Homework Statement In an experiment, a shearwater (seabird) was taken from its nest, flown 5150km away, and released. It found its way back to its nest 12.5 days after it was released. If we place the origin at the nest and extend the +x-axis to the release point what was the bird's average...
  31. tony873004

    Average velocity with respect to distance

    In my Calculus class we had a problem to compare average velocity with respect to time vs. average velocity with respect to position. Average velocity with respect to time is what is usually used in everyday language... "I drove to LA. I averaged 70 mph". Then the Calc teacher asked what...
  32. M

    Question regarding average velocity

    Homework Statement What is the average velocity if you drive a distance of 472.5 km at a speed of 40 km/h, then the same distance at a speed of 65 km/h? Answer in units of km/h. Homework Equations t = d / v The Attempt at a Solution 11.8125 = 472.5 / 40 7.269230769 = 472.5 / 65...
  33. Saladsamurai

    Average velocity vector question. Try again

    Homework Statement A train with constant velocity of 60km/hour travels east for 40minutes; then in a direction 50degrees east of north for 20minutes; then west for 50minutes. A)What are the magnitude and B) angle of its average velocity during the trip? Homework Equations sinx; cosx; tanx<--...
  34. F

    Is Average Velocity Equal to Instantaneous Velocity for Constant Motion?

    Can we say that when the velocity is constant, the average velocity of an object is equal to the instantaneous velocity? Thanks!
  35. A

    How Does Time Interval Affect Average Velocity in Projectile Motion?

    if a ball is thrown up into the air with a velocity of 40ft/s it's height in feet after t seconds is given by y=40t-16tsq. find the average velocity for the time period beginning when t=2 and lasting 1. .5 sec 2. .1 sec 3. .05 sec 4. .01 sec
  36. C

    Average Velocity During a Collision

    Homework Statement A tennis ball has a mass of 0.057 kg. A professional tennis player hits the ball hard enough to give it a speed of 50 m/s (about 112 miles per hour.) The ball moves toward the left, hits a wall and bounces straight back to the right with almost the same speed (50 m/s). As...
  37. S

    Average Velocity: Solve 1.00*10É2(N), 1.50*10É2m(S), 5.0*10É1(E) @ 40 m/s

    Homework Statement A person runs 1.00*10É2m(N), 1.50*10É2m(S) and finaly 5.0*10É1(E). If the average speed is 40m/s, what is the average velocity. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution 1.00*10É2(N) 1.50*10É2m(S) 5.0*10É1(E) you start out by adding the north and south...
  38. D

    Extremely annoying question, average velocity related

    Homework Statement Ok so i have this simple question on a physics practice sheet, and because i don't get how the professor got his answers (answer are given) i have become confused and created this question into a difficult one. I am very annoyed when i can't get the exact same answer as the...
  39. J

    Displacement and average velocity

    Homework Statement A hiker travels south a long a straight path for 1.5 h with an average velocity of .75 km/h. then travels south for 2.5 h with an average velocity of .90 km/h. What is the hiker's displacement for the total trip? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution For...
  40. C

    What is the average velocity of the molecules in a gas?

    I'd really appreciate it if someone could please give me some hints over how to do the following questions as I'm currently really stuck. 8. (a) What is the average velocity of the molecules in a gas? (b) Explain your answer. 9. Two moles of He gas are at a pressure of 105 Pa and...
  41. I

    How do you find average velocity from a position-time graph?

    Also, how do you find instantaneous velocity from a position-time graph?
  42. N

    Calculate the joggers average velocity

    A canoeist wants to travel straight across a river that is 0.10 km wide. However, there is a strong current moving downstream with a velocity of 3.0km/h. The canoeist can maintain a velocity realitive to the water of 4.0km/h. a) In what diretion should the canoeist head to arrive at a position...
  43. K

    Speed Average Velocity Change Question

    This is my first post here, I am going for high college physics, this is my second physics class in my life. (One in high school and this is Physics 100 -- Survey of Physics.) We do all our homework online, so here's the first one.. A person walks first at a constant speed of 3.40 m/s...
  44. C

    Average Speed vs. Average velocity

    Do you think that average speed and average velocities are usually the same for something in motion?
  45. A

    What is the distance east traveled by the backpacker?

    Hello I've been doing my physics homework but sadly I can't solve this problem and don't really know how to approach it. If anyone could, please guide me to how to solve this problem. In reaching her destination, a backpacker walks with an average velocity of 1.34m/s due west. This average...
  46. W

    Could use some help on these problems (average velocity)

    Hey everyone! I'm new to the forums:biggrin: I just started AP Physics a few days ago and I'm having some trouble on the following problems: 1) A truck on a straight road starts from rest accelerating at 2.0 m/s^2 until it reaches a speed of 20 m/s. Then the truck travels for 20 s...
  47. P

    How to graph x vs t and find average velocity?

    I'm not looking for answers so much, just someone to get me started. OK, you walk 73.2 m at a speed of 1.22 m/s, and then run 73.2 m at 3.05 m/s along a straight line. What is the average velocity of that problem? Next I need to graph x vs t for the problem, and indicate how the average...
  48. H

    What is the average velocity equation?

    1. When I see the variable v at some place, how do I know as to whether v is being defined as velocity or speed? On Wikipedia both, velocity and speed, are referring to a formula with v. 2. What is the average velocity of the following: http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/3798/veloc0zt.jpg...
  49. M

    How Do You Calculate a Particle's Average Velocity?

    Hi everyone, I am doing a Math Dynamics course as an independant study and a lot I have to teach myself. One problem I am stuck on I don't seem to know how to start it or which formula to use. The book has all the formulas but I don't know how to start... question asks: "A particle...
  50. P

    Find Average Velocity on a Data Graph

    How do you find average velocity by reading off of a data graph?
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