Multiple Choice
Which of the following quantities can be used to measure an object's average velocity?
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2. 1D Motion / Kinematics
Average Velocity
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the difference between instantaneous speed and average speed?
A
Instantaneous speed is always greater than average speed for any motion.
B
Average speed is the speed at a particular instant, while instantaneous speed is calculated over the entire journey.
C
Instantaneous speed and average speed are always equal for any type of motion.
D
Instantaneous speed is the speed of an object at a specific moment in time, while average speed is the total distance traveled divided by the total time taken.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that instantaneous speed refers to the speed of an object at a specific moment in time, capturing how fast the object is moving right then.
Recognize that average speed is calculated over a period of time and is defined as the total distance traveled divided by the total time taken for the journey.
Express the formula for average speed as \(\text{Average speed} = \frac{\text{Total distance}}{\text{Total time}}\).
Note that instantaneous speed can vary at different moments during the journey, while average speed gives a single value summarizing the entire trip.
Conclude that the key difference is that instantaneous speed is a momentary measure, whereas average speed is a measure over an interval of time.
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