If a bee flies from a petunia to a marigold, and then returns to the petunia,
A) his average speed was greater than his average velocity.
B) his average velocity was greater than his average speed.
C) his average speed was equal to his average velocity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Average speed is the total distance traveled divided by the total time taken, while average velocity is the displacement (change in position) divided by the total time taken. Since the bee returns to its starting point, its displacement is zero, making its average velocity zero. However, its average speed is greater than zero because it traveled a distance. Therefore, the average speed is greater than the average velocity.

If a Bee Flies from a Petunia to a Marigold