Hector went to the music store by heading due south at 3 m/s, then turning West and continuing at the same speed for another three blocks. Which of the following is true about Hector's velocity?

Question

Hector's velocity did not change because his speed did not change
Hector's velocity changes because his direction changed
Hector's velocity changed because his speed changed
Hector's velocity did not change because his direction did not change

Answer 1

The correct statement about Hector's velocity is:

Hector's velocity changes because his direction changed.

Velocity is a vector quantity that has both magnitude (speed) and direction. Even though Hector's speed remained constant at 3 m/s, his direction changed when he turned from heading south to heading west. Thus, his velocity is different in each segment of his movement due to the change in direction.