Understanding Acceleration
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. Since velocity includes both speed and direction, acceleration can occur when:
* Speed changes: This is what we have in this case.
* Direction changes: Even if the speed stays the same, a change in direction means the object is accelerating (think of a car going around a curve).
Calculating Acceleration
1. Find the change in speed:
* Final speed (v_f) = 10 m/s
* Initial speed (v_i) = 25 m/s
* Change in speed (Δv) = v_f - v_i = 10 m/s - 25 m/s = -15 m/s
* (The negative sign indicates a decrease in speed)
2. Find the time interval:
* Time (Δt) = 240 s
3. Calculate the acceleration:
* Acceleration (a) = Δv / Δt = -15 m/s / 240 s = -0.0625 m/s²
Description
The object is undergoing an acceleration of -0.0625 m/s². This means the object is slowing down (decelerating) at a rate of 0.0625 meters per second squared.
Key Points:
* Units: Acceleration is measured in meters per second squared (m/s²).
* Sign: A negative sign indicates deceleration (slowing down), while a positive sign indicates acceleration (speeding up).
