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Re: Magnitude of average velocity

Why is the average of the magnitude of a vector not the same as the
magnitude of the
average?

Consider that in uniform circular motion, the average speed is constant.
The average direction over an integer number of orbits is zero.

Thus, as I point out to my NASCAR-fan students, the average velocity of the
winner was zero - he went no place at a high speed.

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God is our refuge and strength
A present help in time of trouble
Though the mountains shake
in the heart of the sea
Though the waters roar and foam,
We will not fear.
Ps. 46
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George Spagna
Department of Physics
Randolph-Macon College
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e-mail: gspagna@rmc.edu
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