Question

One car travels 56 meters due east in 2.0 seconds, and a second car travels 84 meters due west in 3.0 seconds. During their periods of travel, the cars definitely had the same

They have narrowed down to two answer choices. Using your knowledge, help them decide which answer choice is correct. Explain your reasoning.

average speed
average velocity

Answer 1

average speed

Step-by-step explanation:

The directions were different, so the velocities could not be the same.

However, the magnitude of the velocity (speed) was 56/2 = 28 m/s for the first car, and 84/3 = 28 m/s for the second car. These average speeds are the same.