Acceleration vector

Definition

An acceleration vector is a vector quantity that represents the rate of change of velocity of an object. It indicates both the magnitude and direction of this change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The acceleration vector can be decomposed into its components along the x, y, and z axes.
2. It is calculated as the derivative of the velocity vector with respect to time.
3. In uniform circular motion, the acceleration vector points towards the center of the circle (centripetal acceleration).
4. The units for acceleration are meters per second squared ($m/s^2$).
5. A non-zero acceleration vector implies a change in either speed or direction, or both.

Review Questions

• How do you calculate the components of an acceleration vector?
• What does a non-zero acceleration vector indicate about an object's motion?
• Explain why the acceleration vector points towards the center in uniform circular motion.

Related terms

Velocity Vector:

A vector quantity that represents the rate of change of position with respect to time, indicating both speed and direction.

Centripetal Acceleration:

The component of acceleration in uniform circular motion that points towards the center of the circle, causing a change in direction.

Derivative: A mathematical operation indicating how a function changes as its input changes; used to find velocity from position and acceleration from velocity.