What is the definition of average velocity?

Average velocity is defined as the change in displacement over time. Displacement refers to the overall change in position of an object, taking into account its initial and final positions, and is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. The average velocity calculation involves determining how far an object has moved from its starting point to its ending point, divided by the total time taken for that journey.

This definition reflects the concept that average velocity gives a more accurate representation of an object's overall motion compared to simply looking at distance traveled, especially when the path taken is not a straight line. By focusing on displacement rather than distance, average velocity provides critical information about the direction of motion, which is essential in many applications of physics.