Acceleration (a) = (Change in Velocity (Δv)) / (Change in Time (Δt))
Here's a breakdown:
* Change in Velocity (Δv): This is the difference between the final velocity (v_f) and the initial velocity (v_i). You can calculate it with this equation: Δv = v_f - v_i
* Change in Time (Δt): This is the time interval over which the velocity changes.
Units:
* Acceleration is typically measured in meters per second squared (m/s²).
* Velocity is measured in meters per second (m/s).
* Time is measured in seconds (s).
Example:
Let's say a car starts from rest (v_i = 0 m/s) and accelerates to a velocity of 20 m/s in 5 seconds.
* Δv = 20 m/s - 0 m/s = 20 m/s
* Δt = 5 s
Therefore, the acceleration of the car is:
* a = (20 m/s) / (5 s) = 4 m/s²
Important Notes:
* Acceleration is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.
* Positive acceleration indicates an increase in velocity, while negative acceleration (deceleration) indicates a decrease in velocity.
* If an object is moving at a constant velocity, its acceleration is zero.
