Acceleration

Definition

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acceleration is calculated using the formula $a = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}$, where $\Delta v$ is the change in velocity and $\Delta t$ is the change in time.
2. The SI unit for acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s^2).
3. Positive acceleration indicates an increase in velocity, while negative acceleration (deceleration) indicates a decrease in velocity.
4. According to Newton's Second Law of Motion, acceleration ($a$) is directly proportional to net force ($F_{net}$) and inversely proportional to mass ($m$), expressed as $F_{net} = ma$.
5. Uniform acceleration occurs when an object's velocity changes at a constant rate.

Review Questions

• What is the formula used to calculate acceleration?
• How does Newton's Second Law relate to acceleration?
• What units are used to measure acceleration?

Related terms

Velocity:

The speed of an object in a particular direction.

Newton’s Second Law of Motion: $F_{net} = ma$, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to its mass times its acceleration.

Force:

An interaction that changes the motion of an object, measured in newtons (N).