Acceleration Formula:
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Acceleration represents the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. In a speed-time graph, acceleration is equal to the slope of the line, showing how quickly an object's speed is changing over time.
The calculator uses the acceleration formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates acceleration by dividing the change in velocity by the time interval during which this change occurs.
Details: Calculating acceleration is fundamental in physics and engineering for analyzing motion, designing vehicles and machinery, and understanding forces acting on objects.
Tips: Enter the change in velocity in meters per second (m/s) and the time interval in seconds (s). Ensure time value is greater than zero for valid calculation.
Q1: What does negative acceleration mean?
A: Negative acceleration (deceleration) indicates that an object is slowing down. The velocity is decreasing over time.
Q2: How is acceleration represented on a speed-time graph?
A: Acceleration is represented by the slope of the line. A steeper slope indicates greater acceleration, while a horizontal line indicates constant speed (zero acceleration).
Q3: What are the units of acceleration?
A: The SI unit for acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s²).
Q4: Can acceleration be constant?
A: Yes, constant acceleration produces a straight line on a speed-time graph. The object's velocity changes at a constant rate.
Q5: What's the difference between acceleration and velocity?
A: Velocity describes how fast an object is moving and in what direction, while acceleration describes how quickly the velocity is changing.