Speed vs.Velocity Speed (s) is the distance an object travels per unit of time (rate). Speed (s) is the distance an object travels per unit of time (rate). Velocity (v) describes the speed and direction of a moving object. Velocity (v) describes the speed and direction of a moving object.
Velocity Objects undergoing motion will either have a constant or changing velocity Objects undergoing motion will either have a constant or changing velocity constant velocity = not speeding up or slowing down. constant velocity = not speeding up or slowing down. changing velocity = speeding up or slowing down. changing velocity = speeding up or slowing down.
Constant / Zero Velocity Distance (m) Time (s) Constant velocity Zero Velocity
Changing Velocity Distance (m) Time (s) Speed up Slow Down
Average Velocity When working with a constant velocity, we use the following equation. When working with a constant velocity, we use the following equation. ν avg =Δx / Δt Velocity Displacement Time Δ = change
Sample Problem What is the velocity of a runner that can travel 10 m in 5 seconds? What is the velocity of a runner that can travel 10 m in 5 seconds? ν avg =Δx / Δt ν avg = 10 m/5 s ν avg = 2 m/s
Acceleration changes velocity Acceleration (a): the rate of change of velocity. Acceleration (a): the rate of change of velocity. Objects can accelerate in both the + and - direction. Objects can accelerate in both the + and - direction. Velocity Time
Accelerating Car Constant acceleration velocity Time
Car on cruise control Zero Acceleration velocity Time
Negative Accelerating Car acceleration velocity Time
Acceleration (cont.) a avg = Δ ν /Δt = v f – v i Δt Δt acceleration SI unit = m/s² Final VelocityInitial Velocity
Sample Problem A car traveling at 7.0 m/s accelerates uniformly to a velocity of 12.0 m/s in 2.0 s. What is the acceleration of the car? V i = 7 m/s V f = 12 m/s a = v f – v i Δ t Δ t t = 2.0 s = (12.0 m/s – 7.0 m/s) = 2.0 s 2.0 s 2.5 m/s²
Changing Acceleration Velocity (v) Time ( Δ t) Forward Motion Reverse Motion Zero Motion
1-Dimentional Motion Equations V avg =Δx/Δt Δx = ½ (v i + v f ) Δt a = (v f - v i ) / Δt Δx = v i Δt + ½ aΔt² v f ² = v i ² + 2aΔx