Maximizing Accuracy: Comparing Average and Instantaneous Velocity Calculations

[OrbitalPower]

Instead of finding the average velocity http://theoryx5.uwinnipeg.ca/physics/onedim/node3.html , could you also find the instantaneous velocity of two points of a function and divide by 2 (or something similar, it may not be instantaneous).

 

[Kurdt]

If you know the initial and final velocity then yes the average is the sum of the two velocities divided by two.

 

[Moetasim]

Both methods, finding the average velocity and calculating the instantaneous velocity at two points and dividing by 2, will yield the same result. However, the method of finding the average velocity is more accurate and reliable. This is because the average velocity takes into account the entire interval of time and distance traveled, while the instantaneous velocity only considers two specific points. Additionally, the instantaneous velocity can be affected by fluctuations or errors in the data at those two points, whereas the average velocity is less susceptible to these variations. Therefore, it is recommended to use the average velocity method to ensure the most accurate and precise measurement of velocity.