Velocity Unit: Is 30 m/s^2 an Example?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of velocity and its units, specifically questioning whether 30 m/s² can be classified as a velocity unit. Participants are clarifying the distinction between velocity and acceleration within the context of physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the definitions of velocity and acceleration, noting that velocity is expressed in meters per second (m/s) while acceleration is in meters per second squared (m/s²). Questions arise regarding the calculation of velocity without time, prompting further discussion on the nature of instantaneous velocity.

Discussion Status

The conversation is actively clarifying the differences between velocity and acceleration, with some participants providing definitions and examples. There is a recognition that calculating velocity typically involves time, and the discussion is examining the implications of this requirement.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express concern over off-topic questions, indicating a desire to maintain focus on the original topic of velocity units. There is an underlying assumption that understanding these concepts is essential for further discussions in physics.

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For velocity unit, is it, for example, 30 m/s^2?
 
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meters per second, m/s

m/s^2 is acceleration.
 
Assuming that you are measuring distance in meters and time in seconds, then, since velocity is "distance/time", its units would be m/s.
Acceleration, which is "velocity/ time" would be (m/s)/s= m/s2.

Of course, if you measure distance in miles and time in hours, then velocity would be "miles divide by hours", mi/hr or "miles per hour".
 
how do u calculate velocity WITHOUT time?
 
Cpl_uppem said:
how do u calculate velocity WITHOUT time?

Eh? What does that have to do with this thread?
 
1. Don't "hijack" some else's thread to ask a separate question. Start your own.

2. You can't "calculate velocity WITHOUT time". You can, under certain conditions, calculate velocity "at a given instant", without a change in time. That's one of the basic questions calculus was developed to answer.
 

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