Acceleration (a = Δv/t)
I can calculate the acceleration and deceleration of objects.
Acceleration (a = Δv/t)
I can calculate the acceleration and deceleration of objects.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Acceleration is equal to the amount that velocity changes in one second.
- Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.
- Average acceleration = change of velocity / time (a = Δv/t)
- An object that is slowing down is decelerating.
- An object that is decelerating has a negative acceleration.
Keywords
Acceleration - The acceleration of an object is the rate of change of velocity. This is how much the velocity changes per second.
Deceleration - Deceleration is used to describe a change in velocity where the object slows down.
Velocity - The velocity of an object is the speed in a particular direction. This is the rate of change of displacement.
Delta v (Δv) - The change in velocity is represented by 𝚫v.
Rate of change - A rate of change is how much a quantity is changing by every second.
Common misconception
Pupils often think that if velocity or speed is increasing, then acceleration must also be increasing. Pupils often don't associate a change in direction at a constant speed with an acceleration.
Before teaching acceleration, consolidate an understanding of the differences between velocity and changes in velocity. Discuss how an object can be accelerating AND travelling at a constant speed (circular motion).
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
velocity -
how fast something is moving in a particular direction
rate of change -
how much a quantity changes each second
acceleration -
the rate of change of velocity
deceleration -
a change in velocity where the object is slowing down
delta v (𝚫$$v$$) -
a symbol used to represent change in velocity
velocity -
a vector measured in m/s
distance -
a scalar measured in m
acceleration -
a vector measured in m/s$$^2$$
speed -
a scalar measured in m/s
displacement -
a vector measured in m