Difference between revisions of "Velocity"
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The '''velocity''' of an object is the rate of change of its [[position]]. If the position of an object is some [[function]] of [[time]], then the velocity is the [[derivative]] of that function: | The '''velocity''' of an object is the rate of change of its [[position]]. If the position of an object is some [[function]] of [[time]], then the velocity is the [[derivative]] of that function: | ||
| − | : | + | :<math>v(t)={\mathrm{d}x \over \mathrm{d}t}</math> |
where ''x'' is the position and ''v'' is the velocity. The velocity is a [[vector]], and its length or absolute value is called the ''speed''. The velocity has dimensions of length / time, and may thus be expressed in meter per second (in scientific usage). In daily life, miles per hour and kilometers per hour are more common units. | where ''x'' is the position and ''v'' is the velocity. The velocity is a [[vector]], and its length or absolute value is called the ''speed''. The velocity has dimensions of length / time, and may thus be expressed in meter per second (in scientific usage). In daily life, miles per hour and kilometers per hour are more common units. | ||
[[Category:Physics]] | [[Category:Physics]] | ||
Revision as of 18:24, April 14, 2007
The velocity of an object is the rate of change of its position. If the position of an object is some function of time, then the velocity is the derivative of that function:
- <math>v(t)={\mathrm{d}x \over \mathrm{d}t}</math>
where x is the position and v is the velocity. The velocity is a vector, and its length or absolute value is called the speed. The velocity has dimensions of length / time, and may thus be expressed in meter per second (in scientific usage). In daily life, miles per hour and kilometers per hour are more common units.