* Acceleration: Acceleration is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. A negative sign indicates the direction of the acceleration is opposite to the chosen positive direction.
* Deceleration: Deceleration refers to a decrease in speed. When an object decelerates, its velocity decreases over time.
In this case:
* The object is slowing down at a rate of 3 meters per second every second.
* The negative sign implies that the acceleration is in the opposite direction of the object's initial velocity.
Example: Imagine a car moving forward (positive direction) and then applying brakes. The car's acceleration would be negative as it slows down.
Important Note: It's crucial to understand that negative acceleration doesn't always mean an object is moving backward. It simply indicates that the acceleration is acting in the opposite direction of the object's current velocity.
