Velocity vs Speed: Motion Analysis
This simulation demonstrates the difference between average velocity and average speed, based on Example 3.1 from your Physics textbook.
O
P
Q
Scenario Parameters
OP = 360 m (takes 18 s)
PQ = 120 m (takes 6 s)
Average Velocity
Displacement / Time
0 m/s
Direction: + (toward P)
Average Speed
Total Distance / Time
0 m/s
Always positive
Example 3.1 Solution:
(a) O → P:
Average velocity = 360m / 18s = +20 m/s
Average speed = 360m / 18s = 20 m/s
(b) O → P → Q:
Average velocity = (360-120)m / 24s = +10 m/s
Average speed = (360+120)m / 24s = 20 m/s
Key difference: Velocity considers direction (displacement), while speed only considers distance traveled.
