aav t v = aav = average acceleration; v = change in velocity; The average acceleration of an object is defined to be the ratio of its change in velocity to the time taken to change the velocity. v aav = t aav = average acceleration; in units of m/s/s, mph/s, ft/s/s, km/hr/s, etc... v = change in velocity; in units of m/s, in/s, ft/s, km/hr, mph, etc... t = change in time; in units of s, min, hr, etc...
The “sign” of the acceleration indicates whether the velocity is increasing or decreasing. A positive sign = increasing velocity It will also be an increase in speed if the object is traveling in the positive direction. It is a decrease in speed otherwise. A negative sign = decreasing velocity It will also be a decrease in speed if the object is traveling in the positive direction. It is an increase in speed otherwise.
A car traveling at 60 mph accelerates to 90 mph in 3 seconds. What is the car’s acceleration? Velocity(final) - Velocity(original) Acceleration = time 90 mph - 60 mph = 3 seconds 30 mph = 3 seconds = 10 mph/second
Positive acceleration Negative acceleration
A car traveling at 60 mph slams on the breaks to avoid hitting a deer. The car comes to a safe stop 6 seconds after applying the breaks. What is the car’s acceleration? Velocity(final) - Velocity(original) Acceleration = time 0 mph - 60 mph = 6 seconds - 60 mph = 6 seconds = - 10 miles per hour per second
Velocity & Acceleration Sign Chart + - Moving in positive direction; Speeding up Moving in negative direction; Slowing down Moving in positive direction; Slowing down Moving in negative direction; Speeding up
Negative Acceleration, Increasing Speed Initial velocity = -5 m/s Final velocity = -10 m/s time= 25 s acceleration = ?
Drawing Velocity Vectors When following the path of an object, the velocity vector is always in the direction of motion.
Drawing Acceleration Vectors Yes, acceleration is also a vector quantity. (YAY!- *rolls eyes*) If object is speeding up, then acceleration vector is in the same direction as the motion. If object is slowing down, then acceleration vector is in the opposite direction of motion.