Initial velocity can be zero even when acceleration is present, as demonstrated by the example of a ball held in hand before being dropped. While the ball experiences a downward acceleration of 9.8 m/s² due to gravity, it remains stationary until released. Acceleration is defined as the change in velocity over time, meaning that an object can start from rest and still have a non-zero acceleration. The discussion clarifies that initial acceleration does not imply initial velocity; rather, acceleration is necessary to initiate movement from a state of rest. Understanding this concept is crucial for grasping the relationship between velocity and acceleration in physics.