Home Back

Formula To Calculate Acceleration

Acceleration Formula:

\[ a = \frac{(v_f - v_i)}{t} \]

m/s
m/s
s

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is the Acceleration Formula?

The acceleration formula calculates the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. It's a fundamental concept in physics that describes how quickly an object's velocity is changing.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the acceleration formula:

\[ a = \frac{(v_f - v_i)}{t} \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula calculates how much an object's velocity changes per unit time. Positive acceleration indicates speeding up, while negative acceleration (deceleration) indicates slowing down.

3. Importance of Acceleration Calculation

Details: Acceleration is crucial in physics for understanding motion, designing vehicles, analyzing sports performance, and calculating forces using Newton's second law (F = ma).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter final velocity and initial velocity in m/s, and time in seconds. Time must be greater than zero. All values should use consistent units.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between acceleration and velocity?
A: Velocity is the rate of change of position, while acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.

Q2: Can acceleration be negative?
A: Yes, negative acceleration (deceleration) occurs when an object is slowing down.

Q3: What is constant acceleration?
A: Constant acceleration occurs when velocity changes at a steady rate over time, as in free-fall under gravity.

Q4: How does acceleration relate to force?
A: According to Newton's second law, force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma).

Q5: What are typical acceleration values?
A: Earth's gravity produces 9.8 m/s² acceleration. Cars accelerate at 3-4 m/s², while race cars can exceed 10 m/s².

Formula To Calculate Acceleration© - All Rights Reserved 2025