Relative Velocity Calculator
Calculate the relative velocity between moving objects easily. This Relative Velocity Calculator helps students and engineers analyze motion accurately.

Relative Velocity calculator:
The Relative Velocity Calculator is a tool that determines the speed of one object in relation to the other. The tool uses the magnitude and direction of relative velocity, which is calculated by inputting the velocities and directions of the two objects using the following equation: V_AB = V_a -V B. It is also very popular in physics in the study of cars, projectiles, and moving objects in motion.
Relative velocity speed tool tool Formula:
The Relative Velocity Calculator calculates the velocity of one object, assuming that it is observed through the lens of another moving object. It comes down to the equation of VAB = VA -VB, which is the velocity of object A in relation to object B, where VA is the velocity of object A, and VB is the velocity of object B. It is necessary in physics and engineering to study cars, boats, planes, or any two moving objects by using this calculator. Relative velocity magnitude and direction can be obtained by the user entering velocities and angles (in two-dimensional motion). It can be used to solve kinematics problems, to analyze the motion of a vehicle or a machine, or to study the phenomena of relative motion by anyone studying dynamics. It is simple to input and has instant output, making it easier to calculate complex motions and giving correct results in one and two-dimensional situations.
⚡ Work & Installation Input to Output:
- Input: 1. Velocity of Object A (V_A) 2. Velocity of Object B (V_B) 3. Angle between velocities (θ) (optional for 2D) 4. Units (m/s, km/h, mph)
- Formula Used: 1. 1D: V_AB = V_A – V_B 2. 2D: V_AB = √(V_A² + V_B² – 2V_A V_B cosθ)
- Output: 1. Relative Velocity Magnitude 2. Direction (if 2D vector)
This makes analyzing energy transformation and efficiency straightforward for physics or engineering applications.
Testing and Final Adjustments:
Solution: Check the calculator with known cases, e.g., a car passing at 60km/h in the overtaking of another at 40km/h should give a relative velocity of 20km/h in the same direction. Confirm motion, one and two-dimensional. Make sure the angle inputs take the form of degrees or radians when doing 2D computations. Validity Checks: Add Negative or 0 validation and round off results to two decimal points. Unit conversion in Test Unit Conversion. On the test unit, in conversion between the following: s, km/h, and mph. This calculator is also reliable in relative motion analysis after it has been tested because students, engineers, and physics enthusiasts can use it to study the dynamics of vehicles, projectiles, or kinematics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Relative Velocity Calculator:
What is relative velocity?
It is the velocity of one object as observed from another moving object.
What is the formula for relative velocity?
V_AB = V_A – V_B for 1D, and √(V_A² + V_B² – 2V_A V_B cosθ) for 2D.
Can it be negative?
Yes, negative relative velocity indicates motion in opposite directions.
What units are supported?
Meters per second (m/s), kilometers per hour (km/h), miles per hour (mph).
Is direction important?
Yes, especially for 2D motion to determine the vector direction of relative velocity.
Can it handle angles?
Yes, you can enter the angle between two velocities for 2D calculations.
Who uses this calculator?
Physics students, engineers, and anyone analyzing relative motion.
Does it work for moving vehicles?
Yes, it can calculate relative velocity between cars, boats, planes, etc.
Can it calculate instantaneous relative velocity?
Yes, if instantaneous velocities of the objects are provided.
Is this calculator free?
Yes, it’s a free online tool for students and professionals.
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