How is velocity defined?

Velocity is defined as an object's speed in a given direction. This definition emphasizes two critical components of velocity: the magnitude (speed) and the direction of the movement. In physics, velocity is a vector quantity, meaning it has both a size (how fast the object is moving) and a specific direction (where the object is moving toward).

Understanding velocity is crucial in various fields such as aerodynamics, as it influences how aircraft perform during flight. For example, when an airplane's velocity is measured, it provides pilots and engineers with essential information about the plane’s movement relative to the air and ground, which is crucial for navigation, safety, and performance calculations.

The other options describe different aspects of motion or measurement but do not capture the essence of velocity. For example, one choice describes the rate of change of position, which is actually more closely related to acceleration, while another focuses on average speed, which does not account for direction. The total distance traveled divided by time represents speed, not velocity, since it neglects the vector nature of the movement.