Question

Explain the meaning of the average velocity equation in words and describe what physical quantity each of the algebraic symbols in the equation refers to. Then connect the concept of displacement to a specific incident in your life, and explain how your earlier experience helps you to make sense of said concept.

Answer 1

The average velocity of an object in a cdertain time interval is given as the displacement of the body in that time interval divided by time. Therefore, if the object covers a certain displacement XY in a time t1 to t2, then average velocity of the object can be calculated as -

Vav = XY / (t2 - t1)

Dispacement is defined as the change in position of the object, including how far the object travels and in what directiion. If an object moves around but returns to its original position, then the object moves though a distance but will not have a displacement.

From the above definition of average velocity, we can define -

Average velocity = Displacement / (time taken to cover this displacement)