Velocity tells you how fast an object is moving in a certain direction. It is calculated as the difference in displacement over the difference in time


Average Velocity

If the time between the measurements is not instantaneous, then we are calculating average velocity.

Figure 1: Average Velocity Measures Change in Displacement Over Time

Velocity is a vector quantity. As such, it would normally have an arrow above the letter v. However, we indicate that we are taking an average measurement by placing a bar over the top instead.


Instantaneous Velocity

Figure 2: Instantaneous Velocity Measures Change in Displacement as the Time Interval Between Measurements Approaches Zero

Related: Acceleration, Vector Quantity, Time, Displacement, Kinematics