Initial velocity and final velocity

Question

so when we are given a word problem how do we know when the velocity is given is initial versus final velocity

Answer 1

Generally the problem should tell you.

Initial velocity is the velocity that the object has at the beginning of its trajectory.

So, if I shot a cannonball, the speed and direction the ball has as it leaves the cannon is its initial velocity.

Final velocity is what the cannonball has at the end of its trajectory (the exact moment right before the ball hits the ground.

If an object is not accelerating at all, than its initial velocity is equal to its final velocity (V_i=V_f)

Does that answer your questions?