Calculating Average Speed: Motion A to B and Back

The question asks for the average speed of a body that travels from point A to point B and then returns to point A along the same straight path.

• Distinguish Speed vs. Velocity: Average speed depends on the total distance covered, while average velocity depends on the net displacement.

Step-by-Step Calculation

1. Calculate Total Distance:

   • Distance from A to B = 10 m
   • Distance from B to A = 10 m
   • Total Distance = Distance (A to B) + Distance (B to A) = 10 m + 10 m = 20 m

2. Calculate Total Time:

   • Time taken from A to B = 5 s
   • Time taken from B to A = 5 s
   • Total Time = Time (A to B) + Time (B to A) = 5 s + 5 s = 10 s

3. Calculate Average Speed:

   • The formula for average speed is:
     $ \text{Average Speed} = \frac{\text{Total Distance}}{\text{Total Time}} $
   • Substitute the calculated values:
     $ \text{Average Speed} = \frac{20 \text{ m}}{10 \text{ s}} $
   • $ \text{Average Speed} = 2 \text{ m/s} $

Therefore, the average speed of the body is 2 m/s.