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Calculating Acceleration

Acceleration Formula:

\[ a = \frac{v_f - v_i}{t} \]

m/s
m/s
seconds

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1. What is Acceleration?

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity of an object with respect to time. It's a vector quantity that describes how quickly an object speeds up, slows down, or changes direction.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the acceleration formula:

\[ a = \frac{v_f - v_i}{t} \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula calculates how much the velocity changes per unit time. Positive acceleration means speeding up, negative means slowing down (deceleration).

3. Importance of Acceleration Calculation

Details: Acceleration is fundamental in physics and engineering for analyzing motion, designing vehicles, understanding forces, and solving real-world problems involving movement.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter velocities in meters per second (m/s) and time in seconds. Time must be greater than zero. The result will be in meters per second squared (m/s²).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between acceleration and velocity?
A: Velocity is speed with direction, while acceleration is how velocity changes over time.

Q2: Can acceleration be negative?
A: Yes, negative acceleration (deceleration) means the object is slowing down.

Q3: What is standard gravity (g) in acceleration terms?
A: Standard gravity is approximately 9.80665 m/s², the acceleration due to Earth's gravity.

Q4: How does acceleration relate to force?
A: According to Newton's second law: Force = mass × acceleration (F=ma).

Q5: What's the acceleration of free fall?
A: Near Earth's surface, objects in free fall accelerate at about 9.8 m/s² (neglecting air resistance).

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