Author Question: How do you calculate average acceleration? (Read 3568 times)

dalyningkenk

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 598
I'm studying for my science test, and this is one of the things we have to know. Do you know what the formula is?



theo

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 698
The simple answer is change in velocity divided by the change in time.

(delta)v/(delta)t

this is also defined as dv/dt or d^2 x/dt^2 (or the second derivative of position with respect to time) for a calculus definition.

so say you had a car moving 6m/s and in 10 seconds it accelerated to 26 m/s. the way to calculate average acceleration would be the change in velocity (final velocity minus initial velocity) divided by the time in which the change took place. (26m/s - 6m/s)/10s. this will give you (20m/s)/10s. which means the average acceleration was 2m/s/s or 2 m/s^2.

hope this helped.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question

theo

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 698
a = (vf - vi)/t is the definition

vf is final speed
vi is initial speed
t is elapsed time

here are the 3 other kinematics equations rearranged, such that a is isolated:

a = (vf² - vi²)/2d

a = 2[d - (vi)(t)]/t²

a = 2[d + (vf)(t)]/t²



 

Did you know?

The strongest synthetic topical retinoid drug available, tazarotene, is used to treat sun-damaged skin, acne, and psoriasis.

Did you know?

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Risperdal, an adult antipsychotic drug, for the symptomatic treatment of irritability in children and adolescents with autism. The approval is the first for the use of a drug to treat behaviors associated with autism in children. These behaviors are included under the general heading of irritability and include aggression, deliberate self-injury, and temper tantrums.

Did you know?

People with high total cholesterol have about two times the risk for heart disease as people with ideal levels.

Did you know?

In 2012, nearly 24 milliion Americans, aged 12 and older, had abused an illicit drug, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Did you know?

Never take aspirin without food because it is likely to irritate your stomach. Never give aspirin to children under age 12. Overdoses of aspirin have the potential to cause deafness.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library