When is the average velocity of an object equal to the instantaneous velocity?
A) always
B) never
C) only when the velocity is constant
D) only when the velocity is increasing at a constant rate
E) only when the velocity is decreasing at a constant rate

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average velocity of an object is equal to the instantaneous velocity only when the velocity is constant. This is because if the velocity is constant, the rate of change of velocity is zero and the instantaneous velocity remains constant over any given time interval, making it equal to the average velocity. However, if the velocity is changing at any rate (increasing, decreasing, or variable), the instantaneous velocity at any given time will not be equal to the average velocity over any time interval. Therefore, options A, B, D, and E are incorrect.

When Is the Average Velocity of an Object Equal to the Instantaneous