Acceleration Formula:
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Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. The standard formula used to calculate acceleration is a = Δv / Δt, where a represents acceleration in m/s², Δv is the change in velocity in m/s, and Δt is the change in time in seconds.
The calculator uses the acceleration formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates how quickly an object's velocity is changing over a specific time period. Positive acceleration indicates increasing velocity, while negative acceleration (deceleration) indicates decreasing velocity.
Details: Calculating acceleration is fundamental in physics and engineering for understanding motion dynamics, designing vehicles and transportation systems, analyzing sports performance, and studying celestial mechanics.
Tips: Enter the change in velocity in meters per second (m/s) and the time interval in seconds (s). The time value must be greater than zero. The calculator will compute the acceleration in meters per second squared (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.
Q3: What is the SI unit for acceleration?
A: The SI unit for acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s²).
Q4: How is acceleration related to force?
A: According to Newton's second law of motion, force equals mass times acceleration (F = m × a).
Q5: What is constant acceleration?
A: Constant acceleration occurs when velocity changes at a constant rate over time, as in free-fall under gravity (ignoring air resistance).