How Do You Calculate Velocity

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Velocity Calculator

Meters per Second (m/s) Kilometers per Hour (km/h) Miles per Hour (mph) Feet per Second (ft/s)

Result:

function calculateVelocity() { var displacement = document.getElementById("displacementValue").value; var time = document.getElementById("timeValue").value; var unit = document.getElementById("unitSelector").value; var resultDiv = document.getElementById("velocityResult"); var resultText = document.getElementById("resultDisplay"); var d = parseFloat(displacement); var t = parseFloat(time); if (isNaN(d) || isNaN(t)) { alert("Please enter valid numbers for displacement and time."); return; } if (t === 0) { alert("Time cannot be zero."); return; } var velocity = d / t; resultText.innerHTML = velocity.toFixed(2) + " " + unit; resultDiv.style.display = "block"; }

How Do You Calculate Velocity?

In physics, velocity is defined as the rate at which an object changes its position. Unlike speed, which is a scalar quantity and only describes how fast something is moving, velocity is a vector quantity. This means it requires both a magnitude (speed) and a specific direction.

The Velocity Formula

The standard formula for calculating average velocity is:

v = Δs / Δt

Where:

  • v = Velocity
  • Δs = Displacement (change in position)
  • Δt = Change in time

Difference Between Displacement and Distance

To calculate velocity correctly, you must use displacement rather than distance. If a runner starts at a line, runs 100 meters, and returns to the same line, their total distance is 200 meters, but their total displacement is zero. Consequently, their average velocity over that entire trip would be zero.

Step-by-Step Example

Suppose a car travels from point A to point B, which is 150 kilometers to the North. The trip takes 2 hours. What is the velocity?

  1. Identify Displacement: 150 kilometers North.
  2. Identify Time: 2 hours.
  3. Apply the Formula: 150 km / 2 hours = 75 km/h.
  4. State the Result: The velocity is 75 km/h North.

Common Units of Velocity

Depending on the context, you might use different units:

System Unit
SI (Standard International) Meters per second (m/s)
Automotive (Metric) Kilometers per hour (km/h)
Imperial / US Customary Miles per hour (mph)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can velocity be negative?
Yes. Since velocity is a vector, a negative sign indicates direction. For example, if "East" is positive, a velocity of -20 m/s means the object is moving West at 20 m/s.

How does acceleration affect velocity?
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. If an object accelerates, its velocity will increase, decrease, or change direction over time.

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