The Final Horizontal Velocity Calculator is a useful physics tool for students, engineers, and researchers working with motion problems. It helps determine the horizontal speed of an object at the end of its motion, whether it moves at a constant speed or experiences acceleration or drag. In projectile motion without air resistance, the horizontal velocity stays constant. But in real-life scenarios — like vehicles accelerating on a runway or drones facing wind drag — the horizontal velocity may change over time. This calculator belongs to the Kinematics and Motion Analysis Calculator category and is perfect for solving real-world motion and trajectory problems accurately.
formula of Final Horizontal Velocity Calculator
1. If horizontal velocity stays constant (no force acts horizontally):
Final Horizontal Velocity = Initial Horizontal Velocity
This is true for simple projectile motion in physics class when there is no drag or thrust.
2. If there is horizontal acceleration or drag:
Final Horizontal Velocity (v) = Initial Horizontal Velocity (u) + (Horizontal Acceleration × Time)
Where:
- v = final horizontal velocity (m/s)
- u = initial horizontal velocity (m/s)
- Horizontal Acceleration (a) = force per unit mass in the horizontal direction (m/s²)
- Time (t) = time elapsed (s)
This is used when an object speeds up or slows down horizontally.
3. If you know horizontal distance under constant acceleration:
Final Horizontal Velocity² = Initial Horizontal Velocity² + 2 × (Horizontal Acceleration) × (Horizontal Distance)
So,
v = √[ u² + 2a s ]
Where:
- s = horizontal distance covered (m)
This version is helpful if time is unknown but you know the distance and acceleration.
Common Final Horizontal Velocity Reference Table
Below is a helpful table with scenarios and the right formula to use.
Scenario | Formula to Use | When to Use It |
---|---|---|
Projectile with no air resistance | v = u | Classic physics projectile motion |
Vehicle accelerating on a runway | v = u + a t | Cars, planes, or drones with thrust |
Object moving under drag or push force | v = u + a t | Boats, sleds, etc. with friction |
Horizontal distance known, time unknown | v = √[ u² + 2a s ] | When only distance and acceleration given |
Example of Final Horizontal Velocity Calculator
Let’s solve a clear example step by step.
Example 1:
A projectile is fired with an initial horizontal velocity of 20 m/s. There is no air resistance.
- Final Horizontal Velocity = Initial Horizontal Velocity = 20 m/s
So, the speed stays the same: 20 m/s.
Example 2:
A car moves with an initial horizontal speed of 5 m/s and accelerates at 2 m/s² for 4 seconds.
- Use: v = u + a t
- v = 5 + (2 × 4) = 5 + 8 = 13 m/s
So, the final horizontal velocity is 13 m/s.
Most Common FAQs
Yes, if there is no air resistance and no horizontal force. In real life, drag can reduce it.
Absolutely. It is often used for cars, trains, or aircraft accelerating or decelerating on a straight path.
Keep units consistent. Use meters, seconds, and meters per second (m/s) for best results.