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Velocity - Definition, Example, Types, FAQs

Velocity - Definition, Example, Types, FAQs

Team Careers360Updated on 02 Jul 2025, 04:40 PM IST

What is meant by velocity or what is the meaning of velocity?

In our daily life we all use the term speed. It is a measure of how fast a particular object or person is moves in relation to time. Most of the time we also compare the speed of two objects moving in the same direction such as two horses racing in a race. But what happens when they run in the two opposite directions? How can we calculate the speed of the two horses in this situation? Well, in that case the term ‘VELOCITY’ comes in the picture. Let’s see what is velocity and how we can measure velocity of an object in the below article.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is negative velocity, and how is it different from deceleration?
A:
Negative velocity simply means motion in the opposite direction of what's defined as positive. Deceleration is a decrease in speed, which can occur with either positive or negative velocity.
Q: What is the difference between velocity and displacement?
A:
Velocity is the rate of change of displacement over time, while displacement is the shortest distance between the initial and final positions of an object.
Q: How does acceleration relate to velocity?
A:
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. It describes how quickly velocity is changing, including changes in speed, direction, or both.
Q: What is escape velocity, and how is it related to gravitational potential energy?
A:
Escape velocity is the minimum velocity an object needs to escape a planet's gravitational field. It's related to the gravitational potential energy at the surface of the planet.
Q: What is drift velocity in the context of electric current?
A:
Drift velocity is the average velocity of charge carriers (like electrons) in a conductor when an electric field is applied, typically much slower than the random thermal motion of the particles.

What is velocity in physics?

Velocity definition physics is the measure of an object’s speed as well as its direction of motion. It is a vector quantity as it has magnitude and direction both. To calculate the velocity of any object, we must consider both magnitude and direction.

Also read -

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is velocity?
A:
Velocity is the rate of change of position of an object with respect to time, including both speed and direction. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.
Q: Can an object have a velocity of zero at any point during its motion?
A:
Yes, an object can have zero velocity at a particular instant, such as when it reaches its highest point in projectile motion or when it changes direction.
Q: What is the difference between velocity and momentum?
A:
Velocity is the rate of change of position, while momentum is the product of mass and velocity. An object can have high velocity but low momentum if its mass is small.
Q: What is the difference between scalar and vector quantities in relation to velocity?
A:
Velocity is a vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction. Speed, which is the magnitude of velocity, is a scalar quantity because it only has magnitude.
Q: How does velocity change during uniform circular motion?
A:
In uniform circular motion, the speed remains constant, but the velocity is constantly changing direction, always pointing tangent to the circular path.

Velocity example

If a car travels toward north at a speed of 10 meter per second (m/s), then the velocity of the car will be 10 m/s to the north.

Velocity definition

Velocity meaning is the rate of change in position of an object with respect to time towards a particular direction. When either the magnitude of the velocity or the direction in which the object is moves or both changes, then the object is said to be accelerating.

Velocity formula physics

Velocity is calculated by the formula

v=∆x/∆t

where, v ? Velocity

∆x ? Displacement

∆t ? Change in time

Si unit of velocity

The SI unit of Velocity is METER/SECOND (m/s)

Velocity is also expressed in Miles per hour (mph), Kilometer per second (km/s) and Kilometer per hour (kph)

Related Topics Link,

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is the velocity-time graph of an object moving with constant velocity?
A:
For an object moving with constant velocity, the velocity-time graph is a horizontal straight line parallel to the time axis.
Q: What is terminal velocity?
A:
Terminal velocity is the maximum velocity attainable by an object falling through a fluid (like air or water). It occurs when the downward force of gravity equals the upward force of fluid resistance.
Q: How can you determine displacement from a velocity-time graph?
A:
The displacement over a time interval is equal to the area under the velocity-time curve for that interval.
Q: What does a steep line on a velocity-time graph indicate?
A:
A steep line on a velocity-time graph indicates a rapid change in velocity, which means high acceleration.
Q: How does gravity affect velocity?
A:
In the absence of air resistance, gravity causes a constant acceleration downward, which changes the vertical component of velocity over time while not affecting the horizontal component.

Types of velocity

Initial and final velocity formula

Initial velocity: The velocity with which an object begins its motion from the starting point is known as initial velocity of that object. As an illustration: Rohan leaves his house at a velocity of 5 m/s towards north. So, his initial velocity is 5 m/s northward.

Final Velocity: The velocity with which, the object reached its final position is known as final velocity of that object. Continuing with the preceding example, Rohan arrives at his friend’s house, his final destination, with a velocity of 7 m/s northward. So, his final velocity is 7 m/s northward.

Average velocity

When an object is moving in a straight line at a non-uniform speed, it can be expressed in the terms of average velocity. Average velocity is given by the arithmetic mean of initial and final velocity for a given period of time.

Average Velocity=Initial velocity+ Final velocity2

Mathematically, vav = u+ v2

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Constant velocity

When an object moves in a straight line at a constant speed and direction, it is said to have a constant velocity. For example: consider a car travelling at a constant speed in one direction. The velocity-time graph of an object moving with a constant velocity is a straight line as the speed and direction does not change with time.

Variable velocity

When an object’s velocity changes either in magnitude, direction or both, the object is said to be in variable velocity. A car moving down a crowded street, for example, will have varying velocity and direction.

Speed and velocity

Speed and velocity are those two terms which always makes us confused and remembering their concept and definition becomes a difficult task, although both of them are quite different terms. The main difference between speed and velocity is that speed is a measure of distance travelled by an object with respect to time whereas velocity is the measure of displacement travelled by an object with respect to time towards a particular direction. The easiest way to remember the difference between these two terms is that speed does not give us the direction in which the object is moving whereas velocity tells in which direction the object is moving. Average velocity which is total displacement upon total time, can never be greater than average speed because displacement is the shortest distance travel by an object which will always be smaller than the actual distance traveled by it.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: How do you calculate average velocity?
A:
Average velocity is calculated by dividing the total displacement by the total time taken: v_avg = (x_final - x_initial) / (t_final - t_initial)
Q: What is uniform velocity?
A:
Uniform velocity is when an object moves at a constant speed in a straight line, meaning its velocity doesn't change over time.
Q: What is relative velocity?
A:
Relative velocity is the velocity of an object as observed from a reference frame that may itself be moving. It's the difference between the velocities of two objects.
Q: Can an object have zero velocity but non-zero speed?
A:
No, if an object has zero velocity, it must have zero speed. However, an object can have zero average velocity over a time interval while having non-zero instantaneous speed during that interval.
Q: Can an object have constant speed but changing velocity?
A:
Yes, this occurs when an object moves in a circular path at constant speed. The velocity is constantly changing direction, even though the speed remains the same.

Difference between speed and velocity

Speed
Velocity
Speed is a measure of how far an object travel in relation to time.
Velocity is a measure of how far an object travel with respect to time in one of direction.

It is scalar quantity.
It is a vector quantity.

Because speed is a scalar quantity, it can never be negative.

Velocity can be negative, and even zero.

It is also known as the rate at which distance changes.
It is also known as the rate at which displacement changes.

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NCERT Physics Notes:

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: How is velocity different from speed?
A:
Velocity includes both speed and direction, while speed is just the magnitude of velocity. For example, 60 km/h north is a velocity, while 60 km/h is a speed.
Q: Can velocity be negative?
A:
Yes, velocity can be negative. A negative velocity indicates that the object is moving in the opposite direction of the defined positive direction.
Q: What is the difference between average velocity and instantaneous velocity?
A:
Average velocity is the total displacement divided by the total time taken, while instantaneous velocity is the velocity at a specific moment in time.
Q: What are the SI units of velocity?
A:
The SI unit of velocity is meters per second (m/s). Other common units include kilometers per hour (km/h) and miles per hour (mph).
Q: What is the relationship between displacement and velocity?
A:
Displacement is the integral of velocity with respect to time, and velocity is the derivative of displacement with respect to time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does the concept of velocity apply to the motion of electrons in an atom?
A:
In the quantum mechanical model of the atom, electrons don't have definite trajectories or velocities. Instead, we describe their behavior using probability distributions and the uncertainty principle.
Q: What is the significance of the velocity vector in describing motion?
A:
The velocity vector provides complete information about an object's motion, including its speed and direction, allowing for accurate predictions of its future position.
Q: How does the velocity of light change in different media?
A:
The velocity of light changes in different media, decreasing as it enters a denser medium. This change in velocity causes refraction at the boundary between media.
Q: What is the relationship between velocity and momentum in classical physics?
A:
In classical physics, momentum (p) is the product of mass (m) and velocity (v): p = mv. This relationship becomes more complex in relativistic scenarios.
Q: How does the concept of velocity apply in quantum mechanics?
A:
In quantum mechanics, velocity is treated as an operator rather than a simple numerical value, reflecting the probabilistic nature of quantum systems.
Q: How does velocity affect the pressure of a fluid according to Bernoulli's principle?
A:
According to Bernoulli's principle, as the velocity of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases, assuming the fluid is incompressible and non-viscous.
Q: How does velocity affect the Doppler effect?
A:
The relative velocity between the source and observer of a wave causes the Doppler effect, where the observed frequency is different from the emitted frequency.
Q: How does the velocity of a satellite affect its orbit around Earth?
A:
The velocity of a satellite determines its orbit. Higher velocities result in larger, more elliptical orbits, while lower velocities result in smaller, more circular orbits.
Q: How does velocity affect the de Broglie wavelength of a particle?
A:
The de Broglie wavelength of a particle is inversely proportional to its velocity. As velocity increases, the wavelength decreases.
Q: What is the difference between group velocity and phase velocity in wave motion?
A:
Group velocity is the velocity of the overall shape of the wave's amplitudes, while phase velocity is the velocity at which the phase of any one frequency component of the wave travels.
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Questions related to

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to ?
Explain the difference between speed and velocity

Hello

I hope you are absolutely fine. As per your mentioned query, speed is a scalar quantity which tells you how the object is moving fast. Whereas velocity is a vector quantity which tells you about the speed as well as direction.

I hope this helps you!

Revert for further query!

Read Complete Answer
S
Sakshi Sharma
30 Jun'25
If two objects attached at end is their angula velocity remain same

Hii,

If two objects are attached at the ends of a rigid body (like a rod or wheel), yes, their angular velocity remains the same.

Here's why:

  • Angular velocity refers to how fast something is rotating (angle per unit time), not how fast it's moving in a straight line.

  • In a rigid body, all points rotate with the same angular velocity around the axis of rotation.

  • Even if the two objects are at different distances from the axis, their linear (tangential) velocities will be different, but their angular velocities will be the same.

Example:

Imagine two balls attached to the ends of a rotating stick:

  • The stick rotates about its center.

  • Both balls complete one full circle in the same amount of time.

  • So, both have the same angular velocity (say, 2π radians per second).

  • But the ball farther from the center travels a longer path in the same time → it has a higher linear speed, not angular speed.

Read Complete Answer
S
Saurabh Yadav
27 Apr'25
Length of a simple pendulam is 1m when its bob is at its lowest point it's velocity 7 m/s if the bob leaves it's circular path at a height h above the center of the circle then the value of h is

To find the value of h, we need to use the concept of conservation of energy. At the lowest point, the bob has kinetic energy due to its velocity. As it rises, this kinetic energy is converted into potential energy.


Initial kinetic energy (KE) = (1/2)mv^2, where m is the mass of the bob and v is its velocity.


At the highest point, the bob has potential energy (PE) = mgh, where g is the acceleration due to gravity and h is the height above the center of the circle.


Since energy is conserved, KE = PE:


(1/2)mv^2 = mgh


Given:


- v = 7 m/s

- g = 9.8 m/s^2 (approximately)


Now, we can solve for h:


h = (1/2)v^2 / g

= (1/2)(7)^2 / 9.8

= 2.5 m


However, this is the total height from the lowest point. Since the length of the pendulum is 1m, the height above the center of the circle (h) would be:


h = 2.5 - 1

= 1.5 m


So, the value of h is approximately 1.5 meters.

Read Complete Answer
A
Afreen
28 Mar'25
what is the velocity at the top most point when a object is moving in a ciircular path

When an object is moving in a circular path, the velocity at the topmost point of the path can be analyzed in the context of uniform circular motion. Here's a breakdown:


1. **Definition of Velocity in Circular Motion**: Velocity in circular motion is always tangential to the path. This means the speed is constant if the motion is uniform, but the direction of velocity changes continuously.


2. **Topmost Point in Circular Motion**: At the topmost point of a vertical circular path, gravity acts downward while the centripetal force needed to keep the object in circular motion also acts downward. The net force acting on the object provides the centripetal force required for circular motion.


3. **Expression for Velocity**: The centripetal force \(F_c\) required to keep the object moving in a circle of radius \(r\) with velocity \(v\) is given by:

\[

F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r}

\]

At the topmost point, the gravitational force \(mg\) helps provide the centripetal force, so:

\[

mg + N = \frac{mv^2}{r}

\]

where \(N\) is the normal force at the topmost point. For an object just moving in the circle (minimal normal force), \(N\) can be approximated as zero:

\[

mg = \frac{mv^2}{r}

\]

Solving for \(v\):

\[

v = \sqrt{gr}

\]


In summary, at the topmost point of a vertical circular path, the velocity \(v\) can be found using \(v = \sqrt{gr}\), where \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity and \(r\) is the radius of the circle.

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M
monag2673
12 Sep'24
the slope of tangent drawn on velocity time graph and the instant of time is equal to the instantaneous

Hello,

The slope of the tangent drawn on a velocity-time graph at a particular instant of time is equal to the instantaneous acceleration at that time. This is because the slope of the tangent line represents the rate of change of velocity with respect to time, which is the definition of acceleration.

Hope this helps,

Thank you

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T
Tanya Gupta
29 Aug'24
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