Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

Average Speed is classified as:

1. Vector

2. Scalar

3. Acceleration

4. Momentum

The correct answer is: Scalar

Average speed is classified as a scalar quantity. Scalars are defined as physical quantities that have magnitude only and do not have direction. In the case of average speed, it is defined as the total distance traveled divided by the total time taken, resulting in a value that describes how fast an object is moving without any reference to the direction of that movement. This contrasts with vector quantities, which have both magnitude and direction. Speed specifically gives no indication of direction, whereas velocity, a vector, would include directional information as well as speed. Acceleration refers to the rate of change of velocity over time; it is also a vector quantity. Momentum is defined as the product of an object's mass and velocity and is likewise considered a vector because it includes both magnitude and direction. Therefore, average speed distinctly falls into the category of scalar quantities, indicating its classification clearly.