-1/2mvi^2=Fkd. what does vi=?

Question

-1/2mvi^2=Fkd. what does vi=?

Answer 1

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "solve for v_i" but I think I have an idea. Here are two possible answers.

A: 1/2mv^2 is the kinetic energy equation which means v is a velocity. v_i would seem to imply initial velocity.

B: If you are trying to solve that equation for v_i you just need to work out the algebra. First multiply both sides by 2. You get

-mv_i² = 2F_kd [I'm making some assumptions about what is a subscript and what isn't. Please correct me if I'm wrong]

Next divide by m:

-v_i²=2F_kd/m

Multiply by a negative and square root both sides.

v_i = sqrt(-2F_kd/m)

I hope this helps! Let me know if I should clarify anything.

Answer 2

There is not context to the formula, but the LHS of the formula is (negative) kinetic energy.

So "vi" is speed. maybe the i denotes "initial".

But again, without context, it is hard to answer.