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Mechanics
Mechanics

Acceleration

a=ΔvΔta = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with respect to time.

Variables

a
Acceleration
Rate of change of velocity
m/s²
Δv
Change in velocity
Final minus initial velocity
m/s
Δt
Time interval
Elapsed time
s

Derivation

Acceleration is the derivative of velocity: a = dv/dt.

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Common questions

What is the Acceleration formula?

Acceleration is written a = Δv/Δt. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. It belongs to Mechanics, under Kinematics.

What are the units in a = Δv/Δt?

In SI units, a is acceleration, measured in m/s²; Δv is change in velocity, measured in m/s; Δt is time interval, measured in s.

How is the Acceleration formula derived?

Acceleration is the derivative of velocity: a = dv/dt. The result is a = Δv/Δt.