* Direction Matters: We usually define a positive direction and a negative direction. For example, on a number line, movement to the right is often considered positive, while movement to the left is negative.
* Relative to a Reference Point: The positive or negative sign of velocity depends on the chosen reference point. If you're walking towards the east and consider east as the positive direction, your velocity is positive. But if you're walking towards the west, your velocity is negative.
Examples:
* Car on a Road: If a car is moving east at 60 mph, its velocity is +60 mph. If it's moving west at 60 mph, its velocity is -60 mph.
* Ball Thrown Upwards: When a ball is thrown upwards, its initial velocity is positive (assuming upwards is the positive direction). As the ball slows down, its velocity decreases until it reaches zero at its highest point. Then, as it falls back down, its velocity becomes negative.
In Summary:
The sign of velocity tells you the direction of motion relative to a chosen reference point. Positive velocity means motion in the positive direction, while negative velocity indicates motion in the negative direction.
