Instantaneous acceleration
from class:
College Physics II – Mechanics, Sound, Oscillations, and Waves
Definition
Instantaneous acceleration is the rate of change of velocity at a specific moment in time. It is mathematically defined as the derivative of velocity with respect to time, usually represented as $a(t) = \frac{dv}{dt}$.
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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Instantaneous acceleration provides the exact acceleration at any given point in time.
- It is a vector quantity, having both magnitude and direction.
- The units for instantaneous acceleration are meters per second squared ($m/s^2$).
- Graphically, it can be found as the slope of the velocity-time graph at a particular instant.
- If acceleration is constant, instantaneous acceleration equals average acceleration.
Review Questions
- How does instantaneous acceleration differ from average acceleration?
- What is the mathematical expression for instantaneous acceleration?
- How can you determine instantaneous acceleration from a velocity-time graph?
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