Calculating acceleration (a=(v-u)/t)
I can calculate the acceleration and deceleration of objects.
Calculating acceleration (a=(v-u)/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 = (v-u)/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.
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).
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Calculating acceleration (a=(v-u)/t), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Calculating acceleration (a=(v-u)/t), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Measuring and calculating motion unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
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 -
the rate of change of 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