Unraveling Velocity: Understanding Speed with Direction
Reading time 3 mins
Student Question:
What is velocity?
Sia Response: Answer: Velocity is a vector quantity that describes the rate of change of position of an object and the direction of motion.
Solution:
- Definition of Velocity: Velocity is defined as the displacement (change in position) of an object divided by the time during which the displacement occurs. It is a vector quantity, which means it has both magnitude and direction. The mathematical expression for velocity, vec{v) , is given by vec{v) = (Delta vec{x))/(Delta t) , where Delta vec{x) is the displacement vector and Delta t is the time interval.
Key Concept: Velocity as a Vector Quantity
Explanation: Velocity not only tells us how fast an object is moving but also in which direction it is moving.
