How is average speed calculated?

Average speed is calculated by taking the total distance traveled and dividing it by the total time taken to cover that distance. This formula reflects how quickly an object is moving on average over a specified period, regardless of the direction of the motion.

For instance, if a vehicle travels 100 miles in 2 hours, the average speed would be 100 miles divided by 2 hours, resulting in an average speed of 50 miles per hour. This method is straightforward and applies universally to any motion where distance and time are known.

While velocity is related to speed, it incorporates direction and is not directly used to determine average speed. Displacement, which considers the change in position from the starting point to the endpoint, also differs from total distance traveled and is not used for calculating average speed. Finally, the concept of force divided by acceleration is unrelated to speed calculations, as it speaks to Newton's second law of motion and the relationship between mass, force, and acceleration.