Acceleration

Science

Definition

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. An object accelerates whenever it speeds up, slows down, or changes direction.

Examples

  • A car going from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds is accelerating at about 4.5 m/s²
  • A ball thrown upward decelerates at 9.8 m/s² due to gravity until it momentarily stops at its peak
  • A car turning a corner at constant speed is still accelerating because its direction is changing
Key Fact

a = Δv / Δt; SI unit is meters per second squared (m/s²).

Related Terms

Displacement and velocity Newton's three laws Kinematic equations Net force

Study This Concept

Practice acceleration with free review games in these units:

AP Physics 1 Unit 1: Kinematics Physics Unit 1: Motion and Kinematics