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Acceleration

Definition

Acceleration refers to the rate at which an object's velocity changes over time. It measures how quickly an object is speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction.

Related terms

Velocity: Velocity is the rate at which an object's position changes over time. It includes both speed and direction.

Deceleration: Deceleration is a type of acceleration that occurs when an object slows down or decreases in speed.

Instantaneous Acceleration: Instantaneous acceleration refers to the acceleration of an object at a specific moment in time. It can be positive (speeding up) or negative (slowing down).

"Acceleration" appears in:

Subjects (4)

  • AP European History

  • AP Physics 1

  • AP Physics 2

  • AP Physics C: Mechanics

Study guides (3)

  • AP Calculus AB/BC - 4.2 Straight-Line Motion: Connecting Position, Velocity, and Acceleration

  • AP Calculus AB/BC - 8.2 Connecting Position, Velocity, and Acceleration of Functions Using Integrals

  • AP Calculus AB/BC - 9.6 Solving Motion Problems Using Parametric and Vector-Valued Functions

Additional resources (2)

  • AP Calculus AB/BC - 2024 AP Calculus AB Exam Guide

  • AP Calculus AB/BC - 2024 AP Calculus BC Exam Guide

Practice Questions (7)

  • An astronaut visiting a foreign planet throws a bowling ball vertically; he observes it falling with the velocity function given by *v(t) = 4 - 6t*. What is a(t), the acceleration of the bowling ball as a function of time?

  • A particle moves along the x-axis. Which of the following statements about its position, velocity, and acceleration are correct?

  • The acceleration of a racing car is proportional to the position of the car times the time passed. After 2 seconds, the car has traveled 12 meters and the acceleration is 6 meters per second per second. If x(t) is the position of the car, what is the differential equation that represents the situation?

  • If the velocity function of a car is v(t) = 3e^t + 2, what is the acceleration of the car at t = 1?

  • If the velocity function of a ball is v(t) = 5t^2 + 2t, what is the acceleration of the ball at t = 2?

  • A particle's position as a function of time (t) is given by the vector-valued function r(t) = <t^3 - 2t, 2t^2 + 3t>. Find the acceleration vector-valued function, a(t), of the particle.

  • What does the indefinite integral of the acceleration vector-valued function with respect to time give us?

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About Us

About Fiveable

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CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

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Glossary

Cram Events

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Crisis Text Line

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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.