* Acceleration is a change in velocity over time.
* Velocity is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude (speed) and direction.
So, negative acceleration simply means acceleration in the opposite direction of the object's current velocity.
Examples:
* Car braking: If a car is moving forward (positive velocity) and applies its brakes, it is experiencing negative acceleration. This slows the car down.
* Object thrown upwards: An object thrown upwards has a positive initial velocity. However, gravity acts on it with negative acceleration, causing it to slow down until it reaches its highest point and then accelerates downwards.
Important Note: Negative acceleration is often called deceleration, but the term is not always accurate. Deceleration implies a decrease in speed, while negative acceleration can also mean a change in direction even if the speed is increasing.
Let me know if you'd like more examples or further explanation!