Question

which statement is a scientifically accurate description of velocity?
the skier traveled downhill along the 80 - meter track to the finish line in just 3.5 seconds to win the competition.
with just two seconds left on the clock, the basketball player moved quickly down the court to sink the ball in the basket.
the golf pro missed the shot even though the ball was only one meter away from the cup.
after traveling at 120 kph for the entire 30 - minute race, the racecar driver ended the race at the same point she started.

Explanation:

Velocity is a vector quantity that requires both magnitude and direction. The first option gives distance (80 - meter track) and time (3.5 seconds), which can be used to calculate speed (a scalar, as it only has magnitude). The second option has no specific magnitude (just “quickly”). The third option has no information about motion (just a position description). The fourth option gives a speed (120 kph) and implies motion (as it's a race), but also, if we consider the start and end at the same point, the displacement is zero. However, velocity is displacement over time. But among the options, the first one is the only one that provides data (distance and time) from which a rate of motion (even if it's speed conceptually closest among the given as others are worse in terms of velocity - related info) can be calculated.

Answer:

The skier traveled downhill along the 80 - meter track to the finish line in just 3.5 seconds to win the competition.