Acceleration
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Acceleration
The rate of change of velocity, acceleration measures how quickly an object is changing its velocity. It is a vector, so it is coupled with a direction.
- Related Glossary Terms
Average Acceleration Equation, Elementary Definition of Standard Definite Integral, Kinematic Equations↗, Vector↗, Velocity
- Index
Glossary and deeper reading · 3 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Acceleration
Acceleration is the vector rate of change of velocity with time. It can change an object’s speed, direction, or both, and it is measured in meters per second squared. For example, a satellite moving at constant speed in a circular orbit accelerates toward the center.
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Kinematics
Kinematics describes motion using position, velocity, acceleration, and time without first analyzing its forces. The familiar constant-acceleration equations apply only over intervals in which that acceleration is constant. For example, a ball falling near Earth with negligible air resistance can be modeled with constant vertical acceleration.
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Vector
A vector is a quantity with a magnitude and a direction, represented by an arrow or by components along chosen axes. Vectors add by adding corresponding components rather than simply adding their magnitudes. For example, an eastward displacement followed by a northward displacement produces a resultant pointing northeast. The zero vector has zero magnitude and no unique direction.