What is Acceleration?; Velocity-Time Graphs; Types of Acceleration; Calculating Acceleration; Real-World Acceleration

Acceleration & Velocity-Time Graphs

Physics

Acceleration & Velocity-Time Graphs

Explore motion through acceleration and graphs.

Agenda

• What is Acceleration?

• Velocity-Time Graphs

• Types of Acceleration

• Calculating Acceleration

• Real-World Acceleration

What is Acceleration?

Acceleration is the rate at which an object's velocity changes over time, encompassing changes in speed, direction, or both. Understanding acceleration is fundamental to analyzing motion and predicting how forces influence objects.

Vector average acceleration shown with arrows behind car.

Defining Acceleration

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, a vector quantity indicating both magnitude and direction. It measures how quickly an object's velocity changes over time.

Average vector acceleration on a roller coaster.

Cyclist's motion illustrates average velocity and acceleration.

Units of Acceleration

• Acceleration: change in velocity over time.

• SI unit: meters per second squared (m/s²).

• Derived from velocity (m/s) and time (s).

• Represents how quickly velocity changes.

Velocity-Time Graphs

Velocity-time graphs visually represent an object's speed and direction over time. The slope indicates acceleration, while the area under the curve reveals displacement. These graphs are crucial for analyzing complex motion.

Figure in motion represents instantaneous acceleration.

Zero Acceleration

A horizontal line on a velocity-time graph indicates constant velocity. This means the object's speed and direction are unchanging, resulting in zero acceleration. No change in velocity equals no acceleration.

Positive Acceleration

Positive acceleration occurs when velocity increases, represented by an upward-sloping line on a velocity-time graph. This indicates the object is speeding up.

Car speeding up, representing positive acceleration.

Negative Acceleration

On a velocity-time graph, a downward-sloping line indicates decreasing velocity, signifying negative acceleration or deceleration. This means an object is slowing down, like a car braking to a stop.

Negative acceleration shown by downward sloping velocity-time graph.

Acceleration & Velocity-Time Graphs

What is Acceleration?; Velocity-Time Graphs; Types of Acceleration; Calculating Acceleration; Real-World Acceleration

People who viewed this slide also liked...