What is the equation for initial velocity?

Mathematics · Middle School · Mon Jan 18 2021

Answered on

The concept of initial velocity pertains to the velocity of an object at the start of a period of time. The equation for initial velocity can vary depending on the context of the problem and the given information, but one common scenario where you might solve for initial velocity is when using the basic kinematic equation for uniformly accelerated motion:

v = u + at

Here, v is the final velocity, u is the initial velocity, a is the acceleration, and t is the time taken.

Rearranging the equation to solve for the initial velocity, u, you get:

u = v - at

This equation is used when you know the final velocity, the acceleration, and the time and need to find out the initial velocity of the object.

In another scenario which involves the displacement (s) of the object, we might use a different kinematic equation:

s = ut + (1/2)at^2

If we know the displacement, the time taken and the acceleration, we can rearrange this equation to solve for the initial velocity, u:

u = (s - (1/2)at^2) / t

Keep in mind that these equations assume that the acceleration is constant over the time period considered.