Enter the velocity of an object A to an object B, and the velocity of an object B to an object C to determine the relative velocity of A to C.

## Relative Velocity Formula

The following formula is used to calculate a relative velocity.

Vac = Vab + Vbc
• Where Vac is the relative velocity of object A to object C.
• Vab is the velocity of object A to object B
• Vbc is the velocity of object B to object C

To calculate a relative velocity from point A to C, sum the velocities from point A to B and from B to C.

## Relative Velocity Definition

A relative velocity is defined as the velocity of an object in reference to the speed of another object.

## Relative Velocity Example

How to calculate a relative velocity?

1. Fist, determine the velocity of A to B.

Calculate the velocity of A to B.

2. Next, determine the velocity of B to C.

Measure the velocity of B to C.

3. Finally, calculate the velocity of A to C.

Calculate the velocity of A relative to C using the equation above.

## FAQ

What is a relative velocity?

A relative velocity is the velocity of an object when in the reference frame of another object. For example, say object A is moving at 10m/s to the ground but object B is moving at 5m/s when compare to the ground. The relative velocity of A to B would be 5m/s to 10m/s.