A vector quantity with both magnitude (speed) and direction
Measuring Velocity
v = s/t, where 'v' is velocity, 's' is displacement (distance moved in a specific direction) and 't' is time
Uniform Velocity
When an object's velocity remains constant, it covers equal distances in equal time intervals
Acceleration
A measure of how rapidly an object's velocity is changing, a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction
Measuring Acceleration
a = (v-u)/t, where 'a' is acceleration, 'v' is final velocity, 'u' is initial velocity and 't' is time taken
Positive Acceleration
Indicates an increase in velocity, when an object is speeding up
Negative Acceleration
Also referred to as deceleration, signifies a reduction in velocity, when an object is slowing down
Non-uniform Acceleration
If the rate of change of velocity is not constant, the object is experiencing non-uniform acceleration
Graphical Representation
Velocity-time graphs can depict motion, uniform velocity is represented by a horizontal, straight line while a sloped line indicates acceleration or deceleration
Acceleration due to Gravity
Force, mass, and acceleration
The second law of motion states that the force applied on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration (F = ma)
