An airplane travels 250 km due West for 2 hours. What is its average velocity?

To determine the average velocity of the airplane, it is essential to understand the relationship between distance, time, and velocity. Average velocity is calculated by dividing the total displacement by the total time taken. In this scenario, the airplane travels a distance of 250 km due West over a time span of 2 hours.

First, convert the distance from kilometers to meters to maintain standard units:

250 km = 250,000 meters.

Next, convert the time from hours to seconds:

2 hours = 2 * 60 minutes/hour * 60 seconds/minute = 7200 seconds.

Now, calculate the average velocity:

Average velocity = total displacement / total time = 250,000 meters / 7200 seconds.

When you perform the division, you get:

Average velocity = 34.722 m/s West.

The unit is noted as "West" because the direction of the airplane's travel is due West. This thorough approach validates the concept that average velocity takes into consideration both the magnitude of displacement and its directional component, making this option the correct answer.