ODK - Acceleration

Acceleration

Acceleration is the time rate change of velocity, or how fast we increase or decrease the velocity. It can occur when there is a change in the speed of an object, or when it changes direction. Acceleration is defined as the change in velocity divided by the change in time. In this section we will only deal with situations when the acceleration is constant. Acceleration that is in the same direction as the current velocity is considered to be positive, and acceleration opposite to the current velocity is considered to be negative. At a later time we will discuss acceleration due to a change in direction. Please watch this presentation on acceleration.

Acceleration Practice

Please watch the video below.

Correction for the video below:

Practice Problem 1 has an error on the solution the answer should be -5m/s2 instead of 5 m/s2

Acceleration Self-Assessment

1. A rocket begins its re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere by firing its rockets to slow down. The rocket starts with an initial velocity of 7500 m/s. The rocket engines can supply enough force so that the rocket accelerates at negative two hundred and fifty meters per second squared. How long must the rockets fire to slow the rocket to 2300 m/s? ANSWER Links to an external site.
The motion of a particle is given by the equation . Calculate the displacement, instantaneous velocity, and instantaneous acceleration for the particle after 6 seconds. Links to an external site.