Velocity
Part of the Mechanics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 24 of 94.
Average velocity is the displacement divided by the time:
v = Δx / Δt
Its sign gives the direction. Speed is its size, without the sign.
On an x-t graph the velocity is the slope. A flat line means at rest; a line sloping down means a negative velocity.
The slope is Δx / Δt = 30 m / 5 s = 6 m/s.
Challenge
A bus drives along a straight road from x0 = 40 m to x = 160 m with an average velocity of 8 m/s. Find how long the trip takes: the time t.
Try it yourself
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Mechanics
1Vectors and Newton's Laws
Right TrianglesWhat is a Vector?Adding VectorsAxes and DirectionsVector ComponentsForces Around UsFriction and TensionNewton's First LawNewton's Second LawNewton's Third LawRecap - Net Force4Kinematics in 1D
Position and DisplacementVelocityAccelerationMotion GraphsEquations of MotionRecap - Braking Car2Friction
What is Friction?Static FrictionKinetic FrictionFriction and Newton's LawsRecap - Sliding Crate3Inclined Planes
Forces on an InclineGravity ComponentsFrictionless InclineIncline with FrictionWill It Slide?Recap - Ramp Challenge6Projectile Motion
Independent AxesHorizontal LaunchLaunch at an AngleRange and Max HeightRecap - Hit the Target9Work and Energy
WorkKinetic EnergyWork-Energy TheoremGravitational PEConservation of EnergyPowerRecap - Roller Coaster12Impulse and Momentum
MomentumImpulseConservation of MomentumElastic CollisionsInelastic CollisionsRecap - Air Track15Simple Harmonic Motion
What is SHM?Mass on a SpringThe PendulumSHM GraphsEnergy in SHMRecap - Oscillator