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.
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.
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.
by White Razor December 24, 2008
Get the acceleration mug.When a automobile begins to accelerate before it is prudent. Most often witnessed at intersections that are controlled by traffic lights when a driver incorrectly assumes that it is his turn to go next.
Driver: Look at that guy raring to go. I'll bet he doesn't know that it's my turn to go next.
<Car in question moves about a foot and then stops abruptly as he realizes his light did not change green>
Passenger: How embarrassing; a classic case of premature acceleration.
<Car in question moves about a foot and then stops abruptly as he realizes his light did not change green>
Passenger: How embarrassing; a classic case of premature acceleration.
by Mit Long February 12, 2010
Get the Premature Acceleration mug.
Acceleration marks are crap stains that you intentionally leave in your underwear. They are in essence, the opposite of skid marks, and are so named accordingly.
All that chilli I ate yesterday has let me do some sweet acceleration marks in my shorts. Just a little scratching is all it takes.
by the nesto December 23, 2007
Get the acceleration marks mug.I hit the gas and I accelerate.
by 5'1"Racer January 14, 2006
Get the accelerate mug.Accelerationism; coined by Nick Land; argues that functions deconstruct images-in-themselves.
Accelerationism predicts the death of skeuomorphism.
Accelerationism predicts the death of skeuomorphism.
by sandraxine August 12, 2020
Get the accelerationism mug.The federal government of the us taking ever more of your taxpayer money to pay for stupid government programs.
by Sexydimma May 29, 2021
Get the Accelerated stealing mug.