Physics
Physics
Problem
Under which condition will the magnitude of the average velocity of a moving body be equal to its average speed during the same time interval? a) When the body returns to its starting point b) When the path followed is curved c) When the motion is along a straight line without changing direction d) When the speed of the body remains constant throughout the journeyIntuitive explanation
Average velocity and average speed are usually different because velocity cares about direction while speed doesn't. The key insight is that they become equal only when the path taken has no "backtracking"—when the displacement (straight-line distance) equals the total distance traveled. This happens when motion is always in the same direction without reversing, so the body never retraces its path.
Intuitive explanation
Average velocity and average speed are usually different because velocity cares about direction while speed doesn't. The key insight is that they become equal only when the path taken has no "backtracking"—when the displacement (straight-line distance) equals the total distance traveled. This happens when motion is always in the same direction without reversing, so the body never retraces its path.