Acceleration Calculator
Calculate the rate of change of velocity over time. Essential tool for kinematics and motion analysis.
Physics Variables
Average Acceleration (a)
What is Acceleration Calculator?
Acceleration is defined as the rate at which an object changes its velocity. An object is accelerating if it is changing its speed or its direction.
This calculator determines Average Acceleration, which is the change in velocity (∆v) divided by the time interval (∆t). In introductory physics, this is the building block for understanding Newton's Second Law (F=ma).
How to Use
- 1Enter the Initial Velocity (how fast the object was moving at the start).
- 2Enter the Final Velocity (how fast it was moving at the end of the time period).
- 3Enter the Time it took for this change to occur.
Financial Education
Visualizing Acceleration
Think of acceleration as "change". If you are driving at a constant 60 mph, your acceleration is zero. If you step on the gas, your acceleration is positive. If you hit the brakes, it is negative (often called deceleration).
Gravity: The Universal Accelerator
On Earth, every object in free-fall (ignoring air resistance) accelerates downward at approximately 9.80665 m/s². This value is known as "g".
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this calculator
What is 'm/s²'?
It stands for "meters per second squared". It means "meters per second, per second". If an object has an acceleration of 2 m/s², its velocity increases by 2 m/s every second.
Is deceleration different?
Mathematically, no. It is simply acceleration in the direction opposite to the velocity vector. In our calculator, this will appear as a negative number.
Can you accelerate while turning?
Yes! Since velocity is a vector (speed + direction), changing your direction even at a constant speed counts as acceleration (Centripetal Acceleration).
Why is initial velocity important?
Acceleration isn't just about how fast you end up going; it's about the difference between your start and end speeds over a period of time.