Acceleration Formula

Definition of Acceleration

Acceleration refers to the rate at which an object changes its velocity over a period of time. Otherwise explained, it is merely a basic definition that anything that is speeding up, slowing down, or changing its direction is accelerating. Acceleration represents a change of the velocity of an object in a unit of time.

The Acceleration Formula

Acceleration is the rate of change in velocity to the change in time. It is represented by the symbol a and is pronounced as-

 a=change in velocity time taken

The S.I. unit for acceleration is a meter per second square or m/s2.

If t (time taken), v (final velocity) and u (initial velocity) are given. Then the acceleration is given by the formula

 v=u+at

Where,

• Final Velocity is v

• Initial velocity is u

• Acceleration is a

• Time taken is t

• Distance travelled is s

Acceleration Solved Problems

Below we have provided some sample numerical based on acceleration which may help you to give an idea of how the formula is used:

Problem 1: A toy car accelerates distance from  3 m/s to 5 m/s in 5 s. What is its acceleration?

Solution:

Given:  Initial Velocity u = 3 m/s,

            The final velocity, v = 5m/s,

            Time taken, t = 5.

The Acceleration is given by, a=v-ut

                                               =5-35

                                               =25     

                                            =  4.0 m/s2

Therefore acceleration of a toy car is  4.0 m/s2.   

Problem 2: A stone is thrown into the river from a bridge. It takes 4s for the stone to touch the water surface. Find the height of the bridge from the water level.

Answer: 

Given: u = 0, since the stone was at rest

            t = 4s

           a = g = 9.8 m/s2, since a is Acceleration due to gravity

           distance travelled by stone = Height of bridge = s

The distance travelled is given by

s = 0 + 1/2 × 9.8 × 4 = 19.6 m/s2

Thus, s = 19.6 m/s2