What Is the Correct Unit for Mean Square Velocity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the correct unit for mean square velocity, exploring the relationship between velocity, mean square velocity, and root-mean-square (RMS) velocity. Participants examine the definitions and units involved, leading to questions about potential discrepancies in educational materials.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the unit of velocity is m/s, while m/s² is for acceleration.
  • There is a claim that mean square velocity should have the unit m²/s², as it involves averaging the squares of velocities.
  • Others suggest that the unit of mean square velocity is m/s, possibly referring to root-mean-square velocity.
  • One participant expresses confusion over a textbook stating the unit of mean square velocity as m/s, questioning its accuracy.
  • Another participant proposes that the discrepancy might be due to a typo in the book or a misunderstanding regarding root-mean-square velocity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct unit for mean square velocity, with multiple competing views presented regarding its definition and relationship to RMS velocity.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the definitions of mean square velocity and root-mean-square velocity, as well as potential errors in educational materials that may contribute to the confusion.

HUMERA.S
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hi...
we know the unit of velocity is m/s2
and
while calculating the mean square velocity we find the average(or mean) of the 'squares' of the given velocities.
then the unit of MEAN SQUARE VELOCITY should be 'm2/s4'
then how come its unit is also m/s2 and not m2/s4 ?
 
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i think that it's m/s.
 
HUMERA.S said:
hi...
we know the unit of velocity is m/s2
and
while calculating the mean square velocity we find the average(or mean) of the 'squares' of the given velocities.
then the unit of MEAN SQUARE VELOCITY should be 'm2/s4'
then how come its unit is also m/s2 and not m2/s4 ?

The unit of velocity is m/s. m/s2 is for acceleration.
The unit of the mean of square velocity is m2/s2, but we ususally speak about root-mean-square (RMS) velocity or speed - and it is m/s.

ehild
 
ehild said:
The unit of velocity is m/s. m/s2 is for acceleration.
The unit of the mean of square velocity is m2/s2

OOOPS..! yeah sorry i made a mistake .:redface: the unit for velocity is m/s..

but is the unit of mean square velocity really m2/s2 ?
(i mean, i just want to confirm. because in my book the unit of mean square velocity is given as m/s...:confused:... so the book must be wrong .)
 
Mean square velocity is the average of the squared velocity. If it is square velocity , the unit is m2/s2. It can be a typo in your book, or they meant root-mean square velocity.

ehild
 

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