What is Velocity? Definition & Explanation

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In summary, velocity is a measure of an object's rate of change in position over time, taking into account both its speed and direction. It is different from speed, which only considers magnitude. The formula for velocity is displacement divided by time, and it can be negative to indicate motion in the opposite direction. Common units for velocity include meters per second, kilometers per hour, feet per second, and miles per hour.
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Physlithium
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Well, I haven't really understand what's Velocity. It's like displacement is taking a shortcut, but what's velocity? What's initial velocity and the final velocity?
 
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displacement is how far you are away from your starting point, your most direct distance
velocity is your displacement/time
v = s/t

initial velocity is your starting speed
final velocity is your end speed
 
  • #3
Also velocity is a vector quantity so you have to give a direction such as 50 m/s North.
 

FAQ: What is Velocity? Definition & Explanation

What is velocity?

Velocity is a measure of the rate of change of an object's position with respect to time. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude (speed) and direction.

How is velocity different from speed?

Velocity and speed are often used interchangeably, but they are actually different concepts. While speed only considers the magnitude of an object's motion, velocity also takes into account its direction.

What is the formula for calculating velocity?

The formula for velocity is: velocity = displacement / time, where displacement is the change in an object's position and time is the duration of the change.

Can velocity be negative?

Yes, velocity can be negative. This indicates that an object is moving in the opposite direction of its initial position. For example, a car moving westward with a velocity of -30 m/s is moving in the opposite direction of a car moving eastward with a velocity of 30 m/s.

What are some common units for velocity?

The most commonly used unit for velocity is meters per second (m/s). Other units include kilometers per hour (km/h), feet per second (ft/s), and miles per hour (mph).

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