Acceleration

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. When an object accelerates, it changes its velocity either by speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction.

Calculating Acceleration

The formula for calculating acceleration is:

acceleration = (change in velocity) / (time taken)

Where:

• Acceleration is measured in meters per second squared (m/s²).
• Change in velocity is the final velocity minus the initial velocity.
• Time taken is the duration over which the velocity changes.

Types of Acceleration

There are several types of acceleration, including:

1. Linear acceleration: This occurs when an object speeds up or slows down in a straight line.
2. Angular acceleration: This occurs when an object changes its rotational speed.
3. Centripetal acceleration: This occurs when an object moves in a circular path and changes its direction.

Units of Acceleration

The SI unit of acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s²).

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about acceleration:

1. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.
2. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.
3. The formula for calculating acceleration is: acceleration = (change in velocity) / (time taken)
4. There are different types of acceleration, including linear, angular, and centripetal acceleration.
5. The SI unit of acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s²).

Remember to practice using the acceleration formula and understanding the different types of acceleration to master this topic!