The Help Zone is under renovation.

See if your question has already been asked!

Physics

Post-secondary • September 3, 2025

Hello,
I have a mechanics question about the average velocity and average speed.
1- Knowing that speed represents the magnitude of velocity, why don't we get the same values for average velocity and average speed? (What explains the difference between the two values??)
2- Also, conceptually, what do these two ideas mean (what do they represent in a situation), and how do they differ?
3- Lastly, is there any particular case where the average velocity would be the same as the average speed? If so, what and why?
I'm a very visual person, so it would really help me out if I could be provided with illustrations and calculations along with the explanations.
I appreciate your help!

Answer (1)

Student Answer

September 3, 2025

Hello PistacheRose369! 😎

Here is a great video to explain the difference : Vitesse moyenne et vélocité (avec exemples)
(It is in english don't worry😉)

Basically, the difference between the two is that the average speed is based on the total distance, no matter the direction, while the average velocity is based on the "net" movement, meaning that it accounts for the direction of the movement.

For example, if you ran 1 km and came back, the average speed would be based on the speed that you had for the 2 km that you ran. On the other hand, the average velocity would be 0 because you came back to the same spot and there is no net movement.

If you only ran 1 km and stayed there, then they would both be the same.

I hoped this helps! Feel free to ask any other questions! 😊

PoutineOrange5768!