# A sprinter runs a 100 m race along a straight track. She reaches the finish line and then slows down, stopping completely 40 m beyond the finish line. Explain the difference between the sprinter's average speed and her average velocity for the entire journey from start to final stopping point, and state which quantity is larger.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 4.1 Speed, velocity and acceleration · Explain · 4 marks

> A sprinter completes a 100 m race and continues running past the finish line before stopping 40 m beyond it. Her total journey from start to stop covers 140 m along a straight track.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Speed is the distance travelled divided by time (or speed uses total distance of 140 m)
2. Velocity is displacement divided by time (or velocity uses displacement of 100 m in the direction of travel)
3. Displacement (100 m) is less than total distance travelled (140 m)
4. Average speed is larger than average velocity because it is calculated using the greater value (distance) and the same time

## Key terms

- [speed](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/speed)
- [velocity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/velocity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-sprinter-runs-a-100-m-35cc52dc) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.