Average Velocity Calculator

Understanding Average Velocity Calculator

Average velocity is displacement divided by time. Unlike average speed, velocity accounts for direction.

How to use this calculator

1. Enter the displacement, \(\Delta x\), in the chosen distance unit.
2. Enter the elapsed time, \(\Delta t\), in the chosen time unit.
3. Check that the units match what you want, such as \(\text{m/s}\) or \(\text{km/h}\).
4. Compute \(v_{avg} = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}\) to get the average velocity.

The formula explained

The formula \(v_{avg} = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}\) computes average velocity, which is displacement divided by elapsed time. It gives both the size and direction of motion along a line.

• \(v_{avg}\) = average velocity
• \(\Delta x\) = displacement, the change in position
• \(\Delta t\) = elapsed time

Step by step method

1. Find the displacement, which is final position minus initial position.
2. Find the elapsed time by subtracting the start time from the end time.
3. Divide \(\Delta x\) by \(\Delta t\) to get \(v_{avg}\).

Worked example

Problem. A runner moves \(120\) m east in \(15\) s. What is the average velocity?

1. Use \(v_{avg} = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}\). Here, \(\Delta x = 120\) m and \(\Delta t = 15\) s.
2. Substitute the values: \(v_{avg} = \frac{120}{15}\).
3. Compute the result: \(v_{avg} = 8\) m/s east.

Tips and common mistakes

• Use displacement, not total distance, because velocity depends on change in position.
• If the displacement is negative, the average velocity is negative, which means motion in the opposite direction of your chosen positive direction.

Frequently asked questions