How to Calculate Velocity as a Function of Position

This the final equation in the set of four kinematic equations for one dimension under constant acceleration. These equations are basic and foundational to beginning physics. Calculating velocity as a function of position is something you will need to do frequently in physics. Be sure to learn this concept well as a foundational building block for success in physics. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Use this equation when you have the initial velocity, and the final and initial positions of the free falling object or particle under constant acceleration. This equation is useful because you do not need a time (t) component.

2. Understand that this is not an independent equation, but it is a combination of the first equation for velocity as a function of time, and the second one for position as a function of velocity and time.

3. Note the equation looks like this: "v^2(final) = v^2(initial) + 2a[x(final) - x(initial)]" where v equals velocity, a equals acceleration, x equals position.

4. Keep in mind that this is the final of four kinematic expressions that can be used to calculate for any problem of one-dimensional motion under constant acceleration.

5. Know the origin of this and the other three equations in that they originate out of the definitions for velocity and acceleration in physics.

6. Understand also that a few algebraic manipulations were made to those original equations of velocity and acceleration to transform them into the four kinematic equations. It also is a requirement that the particle or object must be under constant acceleration.

7. Practice this last equation to calculate velocity as a function of position, as well as the other three kinematic equations along with the equations for velocity and acceleration to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the uses and potential of these helpful physics equations.