Slope of this line
is the average
velocity
Time (t)
0
+
-
Finding Average Velocity
Time (t)
0
+
-
Finding Average Velocity
0
Average velocities are always described with 2 points in time. Example: “Find the
average velocity from 4 to 6 seconds.”
t1t2
velocity
The average velocity is found by:
•Finding the 2 points on the curve
at the 2 points in time, t1 & t2.
•Draw a line between the two
points.
•Find the slope of the line. The
slope is the average velocity.
Time (t)
0
+
-
Finding Average Velocity
t1t2
t1t2
The average velocity is found by:
νAVG =
νFINAL −νINITIAL
2
From a v vs t graph:
•Read the two velocities from the
vertical axis.
•Add them up.
•Divide by 2.
Vinitial
Vfinal
Vfinal
The average velocity is found by
calculating the “AREA” between
the curve and the axis from
t1 to t2.
