Acceleration Review

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary and concepts related to acceleration from the lecture notes.

Acceleration

The time rate of change of velocity.

Formula for Acceleration

$a = \frac{\Delta V}{\Delta t}$ where $\Delta V = V_2 - V_1$.

Positive Acceleration

Occurs when the final velocity is greater than the initial velocity.

Negative Acceleration

Occurs when the final velocity is less than the initial velocity; also known as deceleration or retardation.

Vector Quantity

A quantity that has both magnitude and direction, such as acceleration.

SI Unit of Acceleration

$m/s^2$ (meters per second squared).

CGS Unit of Acceleration

$cm/s^2$ (centimeters per second squared).

FPS Unit of Acceleration

$ft/s^2$ (feet per second squared).

Types of Acceleration

1) Change in speed (only magnitude changes). 2) Change in direction (only direction changes). 3) Change in both magnitude and direction.

Retardation

Another term for negative acceleration, indicating a decrease in velocity.