a = (v_f - v_i) / t
Where:
* a is acceleration
* v_f is the final velocity
* v_i is the initial velocity
* t is the time taken for the velocity change
Explanation:
* Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time.
* The equation calculates the difference between the final and initial velocities, which gives you the change in velocity.
* Dividing this change in velocity by the time taken gives you the acceleration.
Example:
A car accelerates from rest (v_i = 0 m/s) to a velocity of 20 m/s in 5 seconds. What is the car's acceleration?
Using the equation:
a = (20 m/s - 0 m/s) / 5 s = 4 m/s²
Therefore, the car's acceleration is 4 m/s².
Note:
* This equation assumes that acceleration is constant over the time period.
* If acceleration is not constant, you can use calculus to determine the acceleration at a specific point in time.
