When calculating the total distance traveled, it is appropriate to use average velocity rather than instantaneous velocity because average velocity takes into account the overall displacement over a given time period, whereas instantaneous velocity only represents the velocity at a specific moment in time.
Here are a few reasons why average velocity is preferred for finding the total distance traveled:
Considers changes in velocity: Average velocity considers the changes in velocity that occur over the entire duration of the motion. Instantaneous velocity, on the other hand, only gives you the velocity at a particular instant and does not account for any fluctuations or variations in velocity that might have occurred during the motion.
Reflects the overall displacement: Average velocity takes into account the net displacement or overall change in position during the entire time interval. It considers both positive and negative displacements, as well as any changes in direction. This is crucial when determining the total distance traveled because distance is a scalar quantity that only considers magnitude, not direction.
Accounts for irregular motion: In cases where the velocity is not constant or varies irregularly, using instantaneous velocity at any single point would not accurately represent the entire distance covered. Average velocity considers the cumulative effect of all the different velocities throughout the motion and provides a more meaningful measure of the overall displacement.
To summarize, average velocity is used to find the total distance traveled because it considers changes in velocity, reflects the overall displacement, and accounts for irregular motion. It provides a more comprehensive measure of the motion over a given time interval, ensuring a more accurate determination of the total distance covered.