Physics Tutorial: Acceleration

Acceleration is a form of motion where the object’s velocity changes. It is most commonly measured in m/s/s. The formal definition for acceleration would be the rate of change of velocity with respect to time.

Explanation: Motion is a natural event that involves a change in the position or location of an object. Motion can be in the form of acceleration, deceleration, or a constant speed. This can be compared to a vehicle. A vehicle may accelerate as you press down on the gas pedal, or as it rolls down a hill. The car decelerates when you step on the brake pedal. To find acceleration you would use one of these formulae:

D=v_it+(1/2)a(t)²

D=v_ft-(1/2)a(t)²

V_f²=v_i²+2ad

A=(change in v) / (change in t)

(E.g.) A vehicle accelerates to 14 m/s after being stopped at a red light. The vehicle covers 26m to reach its final velocity. How fast was it accelerating?

V_f²=v_i²+2ad

14²=0²+2a(26)

196=0+52a

196=52a

a=3.76m/s/s

see more acceleration problems

As you roll a marble or toy car down a slanted surface, such as a ramp or flat declined board, the marble or car will slowly pick up speed, therefore, becoming faster over a period of time. The greater the decline of the board, the greater the acceleration.

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Question: The toy car is at rest at the top of the inclined board. By the time it reaches the bottom of the board it is going 1.1m/s. The toy car traveled for 12 seconds. What is the acceleration of the toy car?

Answer: Acceleration = (change in velocity) /( change in time)

A=(1.1 -0) / 12

A=0.09167m/s/s
A=0.092m/s/s

Stacy Gagnon