What does it mean when velocity is negative?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the implications of having a negative value for velocity. In physics, negative velocity typically indicates that an object is moving in the opposite direction to the defined positive direction.
Answer
Negative velocity means motion in the opposite direction.
The final answer is that negative velocity indicates motion in the opposite direction to the designated positive direction.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that negative velocity indicates motion in the opposite direction to the designated positive direction.
More Information
Negative velocity is typically used to indicate the object is moving in a direction opposite to what is considered the positive direction in the reference frame.
Tips
One common mistake is confusing negative velocity with deceleration. A negative velocity simply means opposite direction, while deceleration refers to a reduction in speed.
Sources
- Identifying Positive & Negative Velocity - study.com
- Why and how does negative velocity exist? - Physics Stack Exchange - physics.stackexchange.com
- What does a negative velocity mean? - MyTutor - mytutor.co.uk
