Acceleration

Acceleration – The rate at which velocity changesResults from a change in speed and direction

Acceleration = change in velocity = Δv

time tAcceleration = final speed – initial speed

time

Acceleration

AccelerationThe most famous acceleration is known

as GRAVITY!

On Earth, the value of the acceleration due to gravity (g) is 9.8 [m/s2].

On the Moon, the value of the acceleration due to gravity is g = 1.6 [m/s2].

A roller-coaster starts down a slope, its speed is 4 m/s. But 3 seconds later, at the bottom, its speed is 22 m/s. What is its acceleration?Initial speed = 4 m/sFinal speed = 22 m/sTime = 3 sAcceleration = (22 m/s) – (4 m/s)

3 s

Acceleration

= 6 m/s2

A roller-coaster’s velocity at the top of the hill is 10 m/s. Two seconds later it reaches the bottom of the hill with a velocity of 26 m/s. What is the acceleration of the coaster?

Initial speed = 10 m/sFinal speed = 26 m/sTime = 2 sAcceleration = (26 m/s) – (10 m/s)

2 s

Acceleration

= 8 m/s2

A roller-coaster is moving 25 m/s at the bottom of a hill. Three seconds later it reaches the top of the hill moving at 10 m/s. What is its acceleration?Initial speed = 25 m/sFinal speed = 10 m/sTime = 3 sAcceleration = (10 m/s) – (25 m/s)

3 s

Acceleration

= -5 m/s2

A car’s velocity changes from 0 m/s to 30 m/s in 10 seconds. Calculate acceleration.

Initial speed = 0 m/sFinal speed = 30 m/sTime = 10 sAcceleration = (30 m/s) – (0 m/s)

10 s

Acceleration

= 3 m/s2