Final answer:
The term 'initial velocity'/position refers to the 'initial condition' in motion problems. It is the starting point used to calculate how an object moves over time, especially when linear motion with constant velocity or constant acceleration is involved.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you're given an initial velocity/position, what is it? The correct answer to this question is c) Initial condition. An initial velocity or initial position is a piece of information that serves as a starting point for describing the motion of an object. It is part of the set of initial conditions necessary to solve motion problems in physics.
For example, when an object is in linear motion with constant velocity, its rate of change of position with time remains constant. However, if we are solving for final position when velocity is not constant, implying there is some acceleration, we would use kinematic equations that factor in both the initial conditions and the acceleration to determine the final position or velocity of the object.
It is important to note that if an object experiences constant acceleration, its velocity changes at a constant rate. So, the final velocity is contingent upon the magnitude of the acceleration and the duration over which it acts. If the acceleration is zero, then the final velocity equals the initial velocity, indicating a constant velocity scenario.