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Acceleration Formula:
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Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. It is a vector quantity that measures how quickly an object changes its velocity. The standard unit for acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s²).
The calculator uses the acceleration formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates how much an object's velocity changes per unit of time. Positive acceleration indicates increasing velocity, while negative acceleration (deceleration) indicates decreasing velocity.
Details: Acceleration calculations are fundamental in physics and engineering for analyzing motion, designing vehicles and machinery, understanding gravitational forces, and solving real-world problems involving changing velocities.
Tips: Enter the change in velocity in meters per second (m/s) and the change in time in seconds (s). The time value must be greater than zero. The calculator will compute the acceleration in m/s².
Q1: What is the difference between acceleration and velocity?
A: Velocity is the rate of change of displacement (speed with direction), while acceleration is the rate of change of velocity itself.
Q2: Can acceleration be negative?
A: Yes, negative acceleration (deceleration) occurs when an object is slowing down. The direction of acceleration is opposite to the direction of motion.
Q3: What is constant acceleration?
A: Constant acceleration occurs when the rate of velocity change remains the same over time. Free-falling objects under gravity experience constant acceleration (9.8 m/s² downward).
Q4: How does acceleration relate to force?
A: According to Newton's second law, force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma). Acceleration is directly proportional to the net force applied to an object.
Q5: What are some real-world examples of acceleration?
A: A car speeding up or braking, a roller coaster going down a hill, a ball thrown upward slowing down due to gravity, and a rocket launching into space are all examples of acceleration.