Chapter 4, Problem 1RQ

Velocity is

1. a. the distance traveled per unit of time
2. b. the same as speed
3. c. direction of travel and distance traveled per unit of time
4. d. only the direction of travel

To determine

Choose the correct option from the given options.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

The correct option is “$\underset{\_}{\text{c}.\text{ direction of travel and distance travelled per unit of time}}$”.

Explanation of Solution

Given data:

From the given data, it is required to define the term velocity.

Formula used:

Write the expression for the velocity of an object as follows.

$\overrightarrow{v}=\frac{s}{t}$ (1)

Here,

$s$ is the distance, and

$t$ is the time duration.

Description:

The velocity is a vector parameter and it has both magnitude (quantity) and direction. From equation (1), the object’s velocity is stated as the distance travelled by an object per unit time in a particular direction.

Speed is a scalar parameter and it has only quantity (magnitude). Speed is stated as the distance travelled by the object per unit time irrespective of the direction.

Therefore, from the given options, the option c is an adequate option.

Since, the option a describes about the speed of the object and it does not describes the object’s velocity, the option a is the incorrect answer.

Since, the speed and velocity are different parameters, option b is the incorrect answer.

Since, the velocity not only describes about the direction (describes both quantity and travel’s direction), option d is the incorrect answer.

Conclusion:

Hence, the correct option is “$\underset{\_}{\text{c}.\text{ direction of travel and distance travelled per unit of time}}$”.