The discussion clarifies the distinction between average velocity and uniform acceleration equations. The average velocity is defined by the equation vave = Δx/Δt, which applies universally. In contrast, the uniform acceleration equation vave = (vi + vf)/2 is specifically applicable when acceleration is constant. This means the second equation cannot be used in scenarios where acceleration varies.
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The first equation, \displaystyle v_\text{ave}=\frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t} is a definition for average velocity, so it's always true.Arooj said:Homework Statement
I was just wondering in what instances you would use the two equations below, and what the difference is between them.
Homework Equations
average velocity:
vave = Δx/Δt
Uniform Acceleration:
vave = (vi+ vf )/2
The Attempt at a Solution
I'm assuming that the second equation is just a way of finding the average velocity of time and distance are not known.