Here's why:
* Velocity is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude (speed) and direction.
* Average velocity is calculated by dividing the total displacement by the total time taken.
* Displacement is the change in position from the starting point to the ending point.
Therefore, if the object ends up at the same position where it started, the displacement is zero. This results in an average velocity of zero, even if the object traveled a significant distance during that time.
Example:
Imagine you walk 5 meters east, then 5 meters west.
* You traveled a total distance of 10 meters.
* However, your displacement is zero because you ended up back at your starting point.
* Your average velocity for this trip would be zero.
Key Takeaway: Average velocity is about the overall change in position, not the total distance traveled.
