Scientists often make measurements. The physical quantities they measure fall into two categories: scalars and vectors. Scalar and vector quantities are treated differently in calculations.
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If initial velocity and final velocity are known, average velocity can be calculated using the equation:
Average velocity = \(\frac{\text{initial velocity + final velocity}}{\text{2}}\)
A school bus is travelling at 4 m/s.
Its velocity then increases to 12 m/s.
Calculate the average velocity of the bus over the journey.
Final velocity = 12 m/s.
Initial velocity = 4 m/s.
= (4 m/s + 12 m/s) ÷ 2 = 16m/s ÷ 2 = 8 m/s.
The average velocity of the bus is 8 m/s.
There are two equations for average velocity:
You decide which equation to use, depending on the quantities given in the question.
