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Instantaneous Velocity

Definition

Instantaneous velocity refers to the speed and direction of an object at a specific moment in time. It is calculated by finding the derivative of the object's position function with respect to time.

Analogy

Think of instantaneous velocity as your GPS navigation system constantly updating your speed and direction while driving. It gives you real-time information about how fast you're going and which way you're heading at any given instant.

Related terms

Average Velocity: The total displacement divided by the total time taken for an object's motion.

Speed: The magnitude (absolute value) of velocity, indicating how fast an object is moving without considering its direction.

Acceleration: The rate at which an object's velocity changes over time.

"Instantaneous Velocity" appears in:



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.