How Do You Calculate a Car's Average Velocity?

In summary, velocity average is a measure of the overall displacement of an object over a period of time. It is different from velocity, which is a measure of the instantaneous rate of change of position. The units of velocity average are distance divided by time, and it is calculated by dividing the displacement by the time taken to cover that distance. Velocity average is important in science as it helps in analyzing the motion of objects and understanding their acceleration, speed, and other factors.
  • #1
ariloz
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Homework Statement



A car starting from rest accelerates to the left. It takes 14 seconds to travel a distance of 20 meters. What is the car's average velocity?

I'm really confused by this question I'm not sure whether to use change in displament divided by change in time or (Velocity Initial + Velocity Final)/2?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
I just need to know what formula to use. Do you just divide 20 by 14 or do you do 1/2 times 0 + (whatever 20 divided by 14 is). So in other words...is 20/14 the average velocity or final velocity?
 
  • #3
What is the definition of average velocity?
 

1. What is velocity average?

Velocity average is a measure of the displacement of an object over a certain period of time. It is calculated by dividing the total displacement by the total time taken to cover that distance.

2. How is velocity average different from velocity?

Velocity average is a measure of the overall displacement over a period of time, while velocity is a measure of the instantaneous rate of change of position at a specific moment in time.

3. What are the units of velocity average?

The units of velocity average are distance divided by time, such as meters per second or kilometers per hour.

4. How is velocity average calculated?

Velocity average is calculated by dividing the displacement (change in position) by the time taken to cover that distance. The formula for velocity average is: vavg = (xf - xi) / (tf - ti), where xf is the final position, xi is the initial position, tf is the final time, and ti is the initial time.

5. Why is velocity average important in science?

Velocity average is important in science because it is a useful tool for analyzing the motion of objects. It allows scientists to calculate the overall displacement of an object, which can help in understanding its acceleration, speed, and other important factors related to its motion.

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