1. What is Average Velocity?

Average velocity is the arithmetic mean of the initial and final velocities of an object over a given time period. It represents the overall rate of change of position when acceleration is constant.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the average velocity formula:

Where:

• \( v_{avg} \) — Average velocity (m/s)
• \( v_i \) — Initial velocity (m/s)
• \( v_f \) — Final velocity (m/s)

Explanation: This formula calculates the simple average of the initial and final velocities, which is valid when acceleration is constant.

3. Importance of Average Velocity Calculation

Details: Calculating average velocity is fundamental in physics for analyzing motion, determining displacement, and solving kinematics problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both initial and final velocities in meters per second (m/s). The calculator will compute the average velocity.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is average velocity the same as average speed?
A: No, average velocity is a vector quantity (includes direction), while average speed is a scalar quantity (magnitude only).

Q2: When is this formula not applicable?
A: When acceleration is not constant or when dealing with non-linear motion, more complex calculations are needed.

Q3: What are typical units for velocity?
A: The SI unit is meters per second (m/s), but km/h or mph are also commonly used.

Q4: Can velocity be negative?
A: Yes, negative velocity indicates motion in the opposite direction of the reference frame.

Q5: How does this differ from instantaneous velocity?
A: Average velocity covers a time interval, while instantaneous velocity is at a specific moment.