1. Integrated Physics and Chemistry
Acceleration
Integrated Physics and Chemistry

2. Acceleration
Group up with one other student and discuss the following:
What does acceleration mean?
What are three examples of acceleration?
Write your responses in your notes.

3. Acceleration Acceleration – change in velocity over time.
a = ΔV/t = Final velocity – Initial Velocity
Time
Acceleration is a “rate”
Units m/s2

4. Acceleration
When an object is increasing in velocity over time it is said to be accelerating.
(positive acceleration)
When an object is decreasing in velocity over time it is said to be decelerating.
(negative acceleration)
If an object is moving at constant velocity it is said to be moving with zero acceleration

5. Three Ways to “Accelerate”
Speed Up
Slow Down
Change Direction

6. Constant Acceleration
Acceleration that does not change over time.

7. Instantaneous Acceleration
The acceleration of an object at any point in time.

8. Acceleration due to Gravity
Do all objects fall at the same rate?
Discus with partner….yes or no???
The acceleration of an object in free fall due to the earth’s gravity is 9.80m/s2.

9. Practice Problems
An Indy-500 car’s velocity increases from 4.0 m/s to 36 m/s over a 4.0 second period. What is the acceleration?
a = v final – v initial / t
a = 36 m/s – 4.0 m/s = 32m/s = m/s²
4.0 s s

10. Practice Problems
The same car slows from 36 m/s to 15 m/s over 3 seconds. What is its average acceleration over this time interval?
a = v final – v initial / t final – t initial
a = 15 m/s – 36 m/s = -21m/s = m/s²
3.0 s s s
“decelerating”

11. Practice Problems
A bus is moving at 25 m/s. The driver steps on the brakes, and the bus stops in 3.0 seconds.
What is the acceleration of the bus while braking?

12. Practice Problems a = v final – v initial / t
a = 0 m/s – 25 m/s = -25 m/s = -8.3 m/s²
3.0 s s
“decelerating”

13. Acceleration due to Gravity
The acceleration of an object in free fall due to the earth’s gravity is 9.8m/s2.
What is the final velocity of a book that falls from a shelf in 3.2secs?