Velocity Calculator
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This calculator allows you to solve for velocity using different sets of known values. You can calculate velocity from:
- Distance traveled over a period of time
- Initial velocity, acceleration, and elapsed time
How to Use This Calculator
- Select which variables you are given using the dropdown menu
- Enter values for the known quantities
- The calculator will compute the velocity using the appropriate formula
Formulas Used
1. From Distance and Time
Velocity is the rate of change of position with respect to time. The basic formula is:
Where:
- v = Velocity
- d = Distance traveled
- t = Time
2. From Acceleration and Initial Velocity
When an object is accelerating, its final velocity is calculated by:
Where:
- v = Final velocity
- vi = Initial velocity
- a = Acceleration
- t = Time
Understanding Velocity
Velocity describes both the speed and direction of an object. Unlike speed, which is scalar, velocity is a vector quantity. This means it includes directional information.
The SI unit of velocity is meters per second (m/s). Positive or negative signs indicate direction in one-dimensional motion.
Applications of Velocity
Velocity is foundational in many fields including physics, engineering, and transportation. Practical applications include:
- Determining the motion of vehicles or projectiles
- Analyzing travel times and speed limits
- Evaluating aircraft or spacecraft trajectory planning
- Studying fluid flow in engineering systems