Average speed — Science definition
Total distance divided by total time; a scalar that is never negative.
Where it is taught
- Velocity & Acceleration — Motion & Kinematics, Physics & Environmental Science, Grade 12
In use
Average speed, by contrast, uses total distance instead of displacement, so for that same lap it is a healthy 8 m/s if the lap took 50 seconds.
Velocity & Acceleration
Questions using average speed
Problem 1
Can average velocity be zero while average speed is positive?
Hints
State what the supplied observations or conditions establish, and separate that from any assumption.
Answer and explanation
Yes. A return trip has zero displacement but nonzero traveled distance.