An object is said to be accelerating if there is a change in its velocity. For an object to accelerate, the velocity can either increase or decrease. Examples of acceleration, through which we can better understand the concept of acceleration, are the example of a falling apple or the orbiting of the moon around the Earth.
What is Acceleration?
In Physics, we define acceleration as the rate of velocity change, and acceleration is a vector quantity as it has both magnitude and direction. An object is said to be accelerating if its velocity changes either in direction or magnitude.
Acceleration Formula
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. Therefore it is expressed as follows:
a = Δv/t
Or
acceleration = (final velocity – initial velocity)/time
Solved Examples:
1. What will be the acceleration of a body that moves with uniform velocity?
Solution:
To calculate the acceleration, we use the formula:
a = (vf – vi) /t
Substituting the values in the equation, we get
a = (0 – 0)/t = 0 m/s2
The acceleration of a body moving with uniform velocity is 0 m/s2.
2. A toy car accelerates from 3 m/s to 5 m/s in 10 seconds. What is the acceleration of the car?
Solution:
Substituting the values in the equation, we get:
a = (vf – vi)/t
a = (5 – 3)/10 = 0.4 m/s2.
Acceleration Unit
The SI unit of acceleration is m/s2. The dimension of acceleration is LT-2.
Acceleration Examples
Some daily life examples of acceleration are as follows:
- Speeding up of a car
- Slowing down a car
- The turning of a car at the corner
Acceleration-Time Graph
An Acceleration-time graph is a graph of acceleration plotted against time for a particle moving in a straight line. It tells us about an object’s velocity. An acceleration vs. time graph plots acceleration values on the y-axis and time values on the x-axis. The slope of the acceleration-time graph represents a quantity known as a jerk, and the jerk is the rate of change of acceleration. The slope of the acceleration-time graph is calculated as follows:
Slope = Δa/Δt
The area under the acceleration-time graph represents the change in velocity.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is acceleration in Physics?
In physics, acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.
Is acceleration a vector or scalar quantity?
Acceleration is a vector quantity as it has both magnitude and direction.
What are the examples of acceleration?
Speeding up and slowing down of a car is an example of acceleration.
What is an acceleration-time graph?
An acceleration-time graph is a graph of acceleration plotted against time for a particle moving in a straight line.
What is the acceleration of a body moving with uniform velocity?
The acceleration of a body moving with a uniform velocity is zero.
