Deceleration

Definition

Deceleration is the rate at which an object slows down. It is a negative acceleration indicating a decrease in velocity over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deceleration has the same units as acceleration, typically meters per second squared ($m/s^2$).
2. It can be calculated using the formula $a = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}$, where $a$ is the deceleration, $\Delta v$ is the change in velocity, and $\Delta t$ is the change in time.
3. In kinematic equations, deceleration is represented as a negative value of acceleration.
4. An object undergoing deceleration will have its final velocity smaller than its initial velocity if the motion occurs in a straight line.
5. Deceleration can occur due to various forces such as friction, air resistance, or applied brakes.

Review Questions

Related terms

Acceleration: The rate at which an object's velocity changes over time. Positive for speeding up and negative (deceleration) for slowing down.

Velocity:

The speed of an object in a particular direction. It is a vector quantity.

Kinematics:

\text{The branch of mechanics that studies motion without considering its causes}. Focuses on parameters such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration.