Acceleration Flashcards – AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Physics — Foundation

What is acceleration?

The rate of change of velocity.

What is the formula for average acceleration over a time interval?

$a = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}$

Is acceleration a scalar or a vector?

A vector.

What unit is acceleration measured in?

Metres per second squared, $\mathrm{m/s^2}$.

What determines the sign of acceleration?

The chosen positive direction.

In straight-line motion, what can acceleration change about an object's motion?

Its speed, its direction, or both.

How does acceleration affect speed when it is in the same direction as velocity versus the opposite direction?

In the same direction, it increases speed; in the opposite direction, it decreases speed.

What is the difference between uniform and non-uniform acceleration?

Uniform acceleration is constant; non-uniform acceleration changes with time.