Which of the following best defines average velocity?

Average velocity is defined as the change in position divided by the total time taken for that change. This concept is crucial in understanding motion, as it provides not just how fast something is moving, but also the direction of that movement.

When calculating average velocity, we focus on the initial and final positions of an object. By taking the difference in position (displacement) and dividing it by the total time taken to cover that displacement, we obtain a measure that accounts for both the magnitude and the direction of the movement. This gives a more complete picture of the object's motion than simply looking at distance or speed alone, as average speed may not consider the direction, while average velocity does.

In contrast, total distance covered refers to the entire length of the path taken, which does not necessarily reflect direction or displacement. The speed of an object in a straight line relates to how fast it travels, but it also lacks directional information and is not a full representation of velocity. Lastly, while distance divided by time gives speed, it does not incorporate any aspects of direction, which is essential for defining velocity. Thus, the correct definition—the change in position divided by total time—encapsulates the complete idea behind average velocity.