Do Quick Calculation!

Perform fast calculations with our user-friendly online calculator! Conveniently crunch numbers and solve equations instantly. Ideal for quick math tasks, our tool simplifies your daily computations effortlessly. Try our intuitive calculator for accurate results on the go!

Relative Velocity Calculator

Easily calculate relative velocity with our free Relative Velocity Calculator. Learn formula, examples, and simple steps to solve real-life motion problems.

Ever wondered how fast one object moves when compared to another? That’s what relative velocity tells us. It’s not just about speed; it’s about speed in relation to something else. We built this Relative Velocity Calculator so you can find the answer in seconds.

What Is Relative Velocity?

Relative velocity is the speed of one object as seen from another object. Imagine two cars on a highway. If car A moves at 80 km/h and car B at 60 km/h in the same direction, car A is only 20 km/h faster than car B. That’s the relative velocity.

The formula is very simple:

Relative velocity from A to C = Velocity of A to B + Velocity of B to C

or in math form:

Vac = Vab + Vbc

Where:

  • Vac = velocity of A relative to C
  • Vab = velocity of A relative to B
  • Vbc = velocity of B relative to C

Why Do We Calculate Relative Velocity?

We calculate it to make sense of motion in real life. Pilots use it to track planes in the sky. Drivers use it without even knowing. When you overtake a slower car, you’re really checking relative speed. Even in physics, students need it to solve motion problems.

How to Use the Relative Velocity Calculator

  1. Enter the velocity of A with its unit.
  2. Enter the velocity of B with its unit.
  3. Choose your output unit (m/s, km/h, mph, ft/s, knots, Mach).
  4. Hit calculate.

The tool converts both values to meters per second, applies the formula, and then shows the result in your chosen unit. It also gives a step-by-step breakdown and a conversion table.

Example: Two Cars on a Road

Let’s say car A moves at 50 km/h. Car B moves at 20 km/h in the same direction.

Step 1: Convert both to m/s.

50 km/h = 13.89 m/s

20 km/h = 5.56 m/s

Step 2: Apply the formula.

Vac = Vab + Vbc

Vac = 13.89 + (-5.56)

Vac = 8.33 m/s

Step 3: Convert back if needed.

8.33 m/s = 30 km/h

So, car A is 30 km/h faster than car B.

Relative Velocity in Two Dimensions

Things get more fun in two dimensions. Here, direction matters. Instead of simple addition, you use vector addition. You break the velocities into x and y parts, then apply the formula for each direction. Finally, you combine them to get the total relative velocity.

Final Verdict

Relative velocity is a simple yet powerful concept. It helps us understand motion in daily life and in science. Our Relative Velocity Calculator makes the math easy. Just enter the values, and you’ll get instant results with clear steps.

FAQs

How do I calculate relative velocity?

Add the velocity of A relative to B with the velocity of B relative to C.

Why do we calculate relative velocity?

It helps compare the motion of two objects. It’s used in driving, flying, and physics.

How to calculate the relative velocity of two cars?

Subtract the slower car’s speed from the faster car’s speed if both move in the same direction.

How to calculate relative velocity in two dimensions?

Break the velocities into components, add them, and then combine them with the Pythagoras theorem.

What is relative velocity in simple words?

It’s how fast one object looks when you see it from another moving object.