What is the formula for average velocity?

The formula for average velocity is indeed given by the equation that involves the initial velocity (u) and the final velocity (v). The average velocity is calculated as the mean of the initial and final velocities, which can be mathematically expressed as:

Average velocity = (u + v) / 2

This formula is appropriate when the motion is uniform and occurs over a time interval where both velocities can be assumed to be relevant. The average velocity reflects how far the object, on average, travels per unit of time over the interval considered.

In scenarios involving constant acceleration (or motion in a straight line) where the initial and final velocities are known, this formula simplifies the calculation and provides an accurate representation of the object's overall movement during that period. The average is crucial because it allows for a straightforward computation that takes into account the complete motion instead of just focusing on a single point in time.

Other potential options do not conform to the definition of average velocity in the context of motion with constant acceleration or variable velocities. For instance, subtracting, simply adding the velocities without division, or operating with them in other mathematical forms does not yield an average that correctly describes the motion.