GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Calculating Acceleration

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Forces Forces and motion

Calculating Acceleration

3:36 Acceleration
Spec 4.5.6.1.5
Previous Newton's First Law Next Newton's Third Law
  • Acceleration measures how much velocity changes over time.
  • Acceleration can describe changes in speed, a scalar quantity.
  • The equation for acceleration: Acceleration = Change in velocity / Time taken.
  • Change in velocity is calculated by subtracting starting velocity from final velocity.
  • Negative accelerations indicate decreases in velocity.
  • Symbolically, acceleration is represented as A = ��V / T, where ��V is the change in velocity.
  • The same equation can be used to find average acceleration if acceleration is changing.
  • Common units: Time in seconds, change in velocity in meters per second, acceleration in meters per second squared.
  • Example problem: Sunita's speed increases from 2 m/s to 8 m/s over 4 seconds.
  • Steps to solve:
  • 1. Write down key information and check units.
  • 2. Calculate change in velocity: Final velocity - Starting velocity.
  • 3. Substitute values into the equation to find average acceleration.
  • Sunita's average acceleration is 1.5 meters per second squared.

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