University Physics I · Vector kinematics and relative motion
Average speed is not average velocity magnitude
Problem
A courier travels $300\,\mathrm m$ east in $20.0\,\mathrm s$, then $400\,\mathrm m$ north in $40.0\,\mathrm s$. Using an Earth-fixed frame, find the average velocity vector, its magnitude, and the average speed for the complete trip.
Hint
Add displacement vectors but add path lengths as positive scalars.
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