1. What is Harmonic Average Speed?

The harmonic average speed is used when calculating average speeds for journeys where equal distances are traveled at different speeds. It provides a more accurate measure than the arithmetic mean in such cases.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the harmonic average speed formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Speed1} \) — First speed value
• \( \text{Speed2} \) — Second speed value

Explanation: This formula accounts for the fact that more time is spent traveling at the lower speed when equal distances are covered at different speeds.

3. Importance of Harmonic Average

Details: The harmonic mean is crucial in situations where rates (like speed) are involved and where the weights are determined by the denominator of the rate (time in this case).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both speed values in the same units (e.g., km/h, mph). The calculator will return the average speed in the same units.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When should I use harmonic average instead of arithmetic average?
A: Use harmonic average when calculating average rates (like speed) where the journey involves equal distances at different speeds.

Q2: What's an example where harmonic average is appropriate?
A: If you drive 100 km at 60 km/h and another 100 km at 40 km/h, your average speed is the harmonic mean (48 km/h), not the arithmetic mean (50 km/h).

Q3: Can I use this for more than two speeds?
A: The formula can be extended to n speeds: \( n / (1/speed1 + 1/speed2 + ... + 1/speedn) \).

Q4: What if one speed is zero?
A: The harmonic mean is undefined when any speed is zero, as you can't divide by zero.

Q5: Does this work for different distance segments?
A: No, for different distance segments, you should use a weighted harmonic mean or calculate total distance divided by total time.