3.2 Notes - Acceleration Part A

Objectives  Describe how acceleration, time and velocity are related.  Explain how positive and negative acceleration affect motion.  Write equations for the displacement and velocity of an object over time.  Recognize and draw graphs of an objects displacement and velocity verses time.

Acceleration  A change in velocity divided by time Acceleration = Final velocity – initial velocity time a = t V

Acceleration  The SI unit for acceleration is …  Derived unit velocity (m/s) time (s) m/s 2

Acceleration  Occurs anytime there is a change in velocity When you speed up or slow down When you change direction

Acceleration  Can be positive, negative, or zero Positive = Speeding up Negative = slowing down Zero = speed

Important Formulas Acceleration = Final velocity – initial velocity time a = t V Speed = Distance time v = d t

Motion Graphs  Displacement vs. Time Graph Time on the x-axis Displacement on y-axis  The slope of the line represents the object’s velocity The direction of the line (upward or downward) is the same as the direction of the velocity vector

Example  A =  B =  C =  D =  E =

 Velocity vs. Time Graphs Time is on the x-axis Velocity is on the y-axis  The slope of the line represents the object’s acceleration The area under the line is the object’s displacement

Velocity vs. Time Graphs  homework-help/motion-graphs.php homework-help/motion-graphs.php