Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.
* Velocity is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude (speed) and direction.
* Acceleration is a vector quantity too. It means that any change in either speed or direction, or both, results in acceleration.
Examples:
* Hitting the golf ball: The club imparts a large force on the ball, causing a rapid increase in speed (acceleration).
* The ball's trajectory: As the ball flies through the air, gravity pulls it downwards, constantly changing its direction (acceleration).
* Curving the ball: A golfer can impart spin to the ball, causing it to curve in flight. This change in direction is also acceleration.
In summary:
A golf ball accelerates because it's constantly experiencing changes in its velocity, whether it's speeding up, slowing down, or changing its direction.