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The velocity formula states that velocity (v) is calculated as the ratio of the change in position (Δx) to the time (t). Mathematically, the formula for velocity is expressed as v = (xf – xi)/t. This formula allows for the calculation of the velocity of an object based on its change in position and the time it takes.
Practice problems
Problem #1
A truck travels a distance of 12 m in 4 s. Calculate the velocity of the truck.
Solution
Given data:
- Initial position of a truck, xi = 0 m
- Final position of a truck, xf = 12 m
- Time taken by a truck, t = 4 s
- Velocity of a truck, v = ?
Applying the formula:
- v = (xf – xi)/t
- v = (12 – 0)/4
- v = 12/4
- v = 3 m/s
Therefore, the velocity of a truck is 3 m/s.
Problem #2
A car is initially at rest. In 12 s, the car travels a distance of 240 m. What is the velocity of the car?
Solution
Given data:
- Initial position of a car, xi = 0 m
- Time taken by a car, t = 12 s
- Final position of a car, xf = 240 m
- Velocity of a car, v = ?
Applying the formula:
- v = (xf – xi)/t
- v = (240 – 0)/12
- v = 240/12
- v = 20 m/s
Therefore, the velocity of a car is 20 m/s.
Problem #3
If an athlete travels a distance of 60 m in 5 s, what is the velocity of the athlete?
Solution
Given data:
- Initial position of an athlete, xi = 0 m
- Final position of an athlete, xf = 60 m
- Time taken by an athlete, t = 5 s
- Velocity of an athlete, v = ?
Applying the formula:
- v = (xf – xi)/t
- v = (60 – 0)/5
- v = 60/5
- v = 12 m/s
Therefore, the velocity of an athlete is 12 m/s.
Problem #4
Calculate the velocity of a bike that travels a distance of 500 m in 50 s.
Solution
Given data:
- Velocity of a bike, v = ?
- Initial position of a bike, xi = 0 m
- Final position of a bike, xf = 500 m
- Time taken by a bike, t = 50 s
Applying the formula:
- v = (xf – xi)/t
- v = (500 – 0)/50
- v = 500/50
- v = 10 m/s
Therefore, the velocity of a bike is 10 m/s.
Related
More topics
- Free fall equation
- Air resistance formula
- Terminal velocity equation
- Gravity equation
- Inertia formula
- Acceleration formula
- Momentum equation
- Mass formula
- Velocity formula
- Pressure equation
- Kinematic equations
- Friction equation
External links
- https://science.howstuffworks.com/math-concepts/velocity-formula.htm
- https://www.omnicalculator.com/physics/velocity
- https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Velocity
- https://study.com/academy/lesson/average-velocity-definition-formula-examples.html
- https://www.studysmarter.us/explanations/physics/oscillations/velocity/
