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All 8 Flashcards — Acceleration
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Question
Define acceleration.
Answer
The **rate of change of velocity** — how much the velocity changes each second. Unit: m s⁻².
Question
What is the unit of acceleration?
Answer
**m s⁻²** (metres per second, every second).
Question
On a velocity–time graph, what is the slope?
Answer
The **acceleration**.
Question
On an acceleration–time graph, what is the area under the line?
Answer
The **change in velocity**. From rest, that area is the velocity reached.
Question
A flat (horizontal) v–t line means…
Answer
Constant velocity → **zero** acceleration.
Question
A v–t line sloping **down** means…
Answer
The object is **slowing down** — a negative acceleration (deceleration).
Question
Does changing direction count as acceleration?
Answer
**Yes** — velocity includes direction, so changing direction changes the velocity.
Question
Formula for acceleration from a graph?
Answer
$a = \dfrac{v - u}{t}$ — change in velocity ÷ time.
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Topic 1.1 hub
Kinematics
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