Defined as
the change in velocity over a period of time. Acceleration is a vector quantity and therefore is stated as a quantity with a direction.
a = (v-u)/t (where a, v and u are vectors)
Where (using SI units):
a = acceleration of the body in metres per second per second (ms^-2, or metres per second squared)
v = final velocity of the body in metres per second (ms^-1)
u = initial velocity of the body in metres per second (ms^-1)
t = time period between the initial and final velocity, in seconds (s)
An accelerating body can also be
decelerating (ie, negative acceleration) or be at rest. Also,
instantaneous acceleration is a bit different.
1) A car that is travelling at 2ms^-1 changes its speed to 6ms^-1 over a period of
five seconds, and doesn't change direction. During that
five seconds, it had an average acceleration of .8ms^-2 in initial direction.
2) A car travelling forwards at 2ms^-1 is suddenly put into reverse and five seconds later it is travelling 2ms^-2 backwards. It's average acceleration is .8ms^-2 backwards (-.8ms^-2 forwards). Note in this example, the car would have been temporarily at rest just when it changes direction. It is still accelerating (in negative direction, ie backwards, ie
decelerating) during this period.
