Which statement correctly distinguishes average velocity from average speed?
AAverage velocity equals total distance divided by total time, while average speed equals displacement divided by total time.
BAverage velocity and average speed are always numerically equal.
CAverage velocity depends on displacement, while average speed depends on the total path length travelled.
DAverage speed can be negative, but average velocity cannot.
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Average velocity depends on displacement, while average speed depends on the total path length travelled.
Average velocity is defined using displacement over time, so direction matters. Average speed is based on total distance travelled over time, so it is a scalar and cannot be negative.
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