Change in Velocity

[MHarrold_1E]

If the velocity of an object is 10 m/s (+/- 2), does that mean the change in velocity is 4?

[Kiran Singh 3A]

I believe so. When the problem gives +/- a value, you simply double that value to get the uncertainty.

[Kareena Patel 1G]

Exactly! So for that problem, you do 10+2 and 10-2 to get 12 and 8, respectively. Then, do final velocity (12) - initial velocity (4) = change in velocity (4).

[Abby Lam 3F]

Yes! The change in velocity is 4 because you multiply the +/- value by two.

[Becca Nelson 3F]

Yes! Delta v is uncertainty in velocity. If your velocity is 10+/- 2 you could have a velocity of either 8 or 12, so there is a difference of 4. This is the value you will plug into the equation.

[Nadya Higgins 3F]

yup, anytime a question asks for a change in velocity, you can disregard the actual velocity the object is traveling at. The important part is knowing the uncertainty or change with the plus/minus value. So if an object travels at 20 m/s plus/minus 3 m/s, then the change in velocity would be 6 m/s.