Question

What is the formula for acceleration in physics?

Answer 1

In physics, acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. The formula for acceleration (a) can be expressed as:

\[
a = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}
\]

Where:
- \( a \) is acceleration,
- \( \Delta v \) is the change in velocity (final velocity \( v_f \) minus initial velocity \( v_i \)),
- \( \Delta t \) is the change in time (time taken for the change in velocity).

You can also express it in a more detailed form as:

\[
a = \frac{v_f - v_i}{t_f - t_i}
\]

Where:
- \( v_f \) is the final velocity,
- \( v_i \) is the initial velocity,
- \( t_f \) is the final time,
- \( t_i \) is the initial time.

Acceleration can be positive (indicating an increase in velocity) or negative (indicating a decrease in velocity, often referred to as deceleration).