Here is an example to show how this works, putting together what we know about velocity and acceleration. Using the biking example from above, assume that your original velocity was 1 meter per second, or 1 meter / second (1m/s). This is the velocity you start with. Then you pedal harder and harder for 10 seconds and your new velocity is 4 meters / second (4 m/s). Now comes the question: what was your acceleration?
This is how you would figure it out:
Velocity & Acceleration
Velocity = Displacement ÷ Time
Acceleration = Change in Velocity ÷ Time
First be clear about what your change in velocity was, and how long it took to make the change. In this case, the change in velocity was from 1 m/s to 4 m/s and the change in velocity took ten seconds. The change (or difference) in velocity is determined by subtracting the previous velocity from the new velocity. (Notice the symbol “A” is used to represent acceleration.)
Acceleration = (4 m/s - 1m/s) ÷ 10 seconds
A = 3 m/s ÷ 10 seconds
A = 0.3 m/s2
On your own
Try the following calculation. A meteor changed velocity from 1.0 km/s to 1.8 km/s in 0.03 seconds. What is the acceleration of the meteor?
