Velocity tells you how fast something moves and in which direction. It’s more than just speed. Velocity includes both magnitude and direction, making it a vector quantity.
In this blog, you’ll learn the basics of velocity. We will cover What is Velocity, SI units, formula, and types. Understanding velocity helps explain motion clearly and accurately.
Whether you are studying physics or just curious, this guide simplifies velocity. By the end, you will know how it works and its importance in real-life applications.
What is Velocity?
“Velocity is the rate at which an object changes its position, including both speed and direction. It is a vector quantity.”
SI Unit of Velocity,
The SI unit of velocity is meters per second (m/s).
Formula for Velocity,
Velocity = Displacement ÷ Time
It measures how quickly an object changes its position in a specific direction.
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Types of Velocity
These are the types of velocity:
- Average velocity
- Constant velocity
- Instantaneous velocity
- Uniform velocity
- Angular velocity
- Escape velocity
- Final velocity
- Variable velocity
Average velocity
Average velocity is the total displacement divided by the total time taken. It indicates the overall rate of motion in a specific direction during a journey.
Example,
If a car moves 100 km north in 2 hours, the average velocity is 50 km/h north. It considers both magnitude (speed) and direction.
Average Velocity Formula,
Average Velocity = Total Displacement ÷ Total Time
Constant velocity
Constant velocity means an object moves at a steady speed in a straight line. Both the magnitude and direction of motion remain unchanged during the entire motion.
Example,
A train moving at 80 km/h on a straight track without changing speed or direction exhibits constant velocity. Its motion remains uniform throughout.
Constant Velocity Formula,
Constant Velocity = Displacement ÷ Time
Instantaneous velocity
Instantaneous velocity is the velocity of an object at a specific moment in time. It includes both the speed and direction of motion at that exact point.
Example,
A car’s speedometer reading of 60 km/h north at a specific second represents its instantaneous velocity. It shows the current motion details instantly.
Instantaneous Velocity Formula,
Instantaneous Velocity = Displacement ÷ Time Interval
Uniform Velocity
Uniform velocity occurs when an object covers equal distances in equal time intervals, maintaining constant speed and direction.
Example,
A train traveling at 50 km/h on a straight track without speed or direction change shows uniform velocity.
Uniform Velocity Formula,
Uniform Velocity = Total Distance ÷ Total Time
Angular Velocity
Angular velocity measures the rate of change of an object’s angular position in a circular path, expressed in radians per second.
Example,
A wheel rotating at 2 radians per second demonstrates angular velocity by completing its rotations steadily over time.
Angular Velocity Formula,
Angular Velocity= θ ÷ t
Escape Velocity
Escape velocity is the minimum speed required for an object to break free from a planet’s gravitational pull.
Example,
A rocket needs an escape velocity of 11.2 km/s to leave Earth’s gravitational field and travel into space.
Final Velocity
Final velocity is the velocity an object reaches at the end of a motion or process, considering acceleration and time.
Example,
A car accelerating from 0 to 60 km/h in 5 seconds has a final velocity of 60 km/h.
Final Velocity Formula,
vf = vi + at
Variable Velocity
Variable velocity occurs when an object covers unequal distances in equal time intervals, indicating a change in speed or direction.
Example,
A cyclist speeding up and slowing down while riding through traffic demonstrates variable velocity as motion changes.
Variable Velocity Formula,
v(t) = v0+ ∫a(t)dt
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FAQ’s
What is a Velocity Limit?
A velocity limit is the maximum speed an object can reach under specific conditions. It is often determined by physical, environmental, or legal constraints, like speed limits on roads.
Is velocity a vector?
Yes, velocity is a vector quantity. It has both magnitude (speed) and direction, which distinguishes it from scalar quantities like speed that have only magnitude.