1. What is Initial Velocity?

Initial velocity (v₀) is the velocity of an object at the start of a time interval. It's a fundamental concept in kinematics that helps describe an object's motion when combined with acceleration and displacement.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the initial velocity equation:

Where:

• \( v_0 \) — Initial velocity (m/s)
• \( v \) — Final velocity (m/s)
• \( a \) — Acceleration (m/s²)
• \( s \) — Displacement (m)

Explanation: This equation is derived from the kinematic equations of motion and calculates the initial velocity when you know the final velocity, acceleration, and displacement.

3. Importance of Initial Velocity Calculation

Details: Calculating initial velocity is essential in physics and engineering for analyzing motion, predicting trajectories, and solving problems involving uniformly accelerated motion.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter final velocity in m/s, acceleration in m/s² (use negative value for deceleration), and displacement in meters. All values must be valid (displacement > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if I get an imaginary number result?
A: An imaginary result means the given combination of final velocity, acceleration, and displacement is physically impossible.

Q2: Can this be used for vertical motion under gravity?
A: Yes, use a = -9.81 m/s² (upward as positive) for Earth's gravity.

Q3: What are typical units for initial velocity?
A: The SI unit is m/s, but km/h or mph can be used with appropriate conversions.

Q4: Does this work for non-constant acceleration?
A: No, this equation assumes constant acceleration during the motion.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's mathematically exact for ideal conditions with constant acceleration and no other forces.