Physics 1-05 Acceleration

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms and equations related to acceleration and motion graphs.

Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity with respect to time; a vector quantity.

Average acceleration formula

a = Δv / Δt = (vf − v0)/(tf − t0).

Unit of acceleration

Meter per second squared (m/s²).

Positive acceleration

Acceleration in the same direction as motion, causing an object to speed up.

Negative acceleration (deceleration)

Acceleration opposite the direction of motion, causing an object to slow down.

Constant acceleration

Acceleration that remains the same over time.

Position–time graph for constant acceleration

A curved (parabolic) line because displacement follows d = ½ a t² + v₀t + d₀.

Velocity–time graph for constant acceleration

A straight (linear) line described by v = a t + v₀.

Acceleration–time graph for constant acceleration

A horizontal line at the constant value of a.

Initial velocity (v₀)

The velocity of an object at the start of the time interval.

Final velocity (v_f)

The velocity of an object at the end of the time interval.

Deceleration

Another term for negative acceleration; it reduces an object’s speed.

Direction of acceleration when slowing down

Opposite to the direction of the object’s motion.

Displacement equation under constant acceleration

d = ½ a t² + v₀ t + d₀ (quadratic relationship).

Velocity equation under constant acceleration

v = a t + v₀ (linear relationship).

Rate of speed change

How quickly an object’s speed increases or decreases, quantified by acceleration.