Final answer:
The average velocity for a complete loop around an outdoor track is zero because the displacement will be zero, as the starting and ending points are the same.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a student runs a complete loop around an outdoor track and finds the average velocity, it's important to understand that average velocity is defined as the displacement divided by the time taken. Since the track loop is a closed path, the displacement is zero because the starting and ending points are the same. Therefore, no matter how fast the student runs, the average velocity for a complete loop around the track would be zero.
It's essential to distinguish between average velocity and average speed. Average speed is the total distance traveled divided by the total time taken and would have a positive value in this scenario. However, because velocity is a vector quantity that includes direction, the return to the starting point results in a displacement of zero, so the average velocity is zero.