Acceleration and velocity-time graphs

Question 1

What’s the word for when something is speeding up?

Answer 1

Acceleration!

Question 2

Define acceleration in 2 points.

Answer 2

1. Acceleration is HOW QUICKLY the velocity is CHANGING

2. This change in velocity can be a CHANGE IN SPEED or a CHANGE IN DIRECTION or BOTH

Question 3

When is the only time you have to worry about the change in speed bit?

Answer 3

When doing calculations.

Question 4

What is the formula for acceleration?

Answer 4

acceleration = change in velocity / time taken

  change in velocity acceleration X time taken

Question 5

What unit is usually used for acceleration?

Answer 5

m/s squared

change in velocity (m/s) per second (X s)

so metres per second per second

DON’T FORGET THAT SQUARED!

Question 6

What is the formula triangle with symbols for acceleration?

Answer 6

v-u
a X t

(v= final velocity and u= the initial velocity)

Question 7

A cat accelerates from 2 m/s to 6 m/s in 5.6s. Find its acceleration.

Answer 7

a = (v - u) / t = (6 - 2) / 5.6 = 4 / 5.6 = 0.71 m/s squared

don’t forget that squared!