What are the variables in the formula for average acceleration?

In summary, the formula for average acceleration is a = (vf - vi)/t, where a is the average acceleration, vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, and t is the change in time. Average acceleration differs from instantaneous acceleration in that it takes into account the overall change in velocity over a period of time, while instantaneous acceleration only measures the acceleration at a specific moment. The units for average acceleration are typically meters per second squared (m/s^2) in the metric system and feet per second squared (ft/s^2) in the imperial system. This formula can be applied in real-world situations, such as calculating the acceleration of objects in motion or in sports and engineering. However, external factors and human error
  • #1
MienTommy
22
0
The formula for average acceleration is (v_final - v_initial) / (t_initial - t_final), I was wondering if v_initial and _final are the instantaneous velocities (found by second derivative of a function) at those points or are they the average velocities (found by change in distance over time)? It has been a while since I've done physics.
 
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  • #2
Instantaneous velocities.
 
  • #3
They are instantaneous velocities, yes.
 

Related to What are the variables in the formula for average acceleration?

What is the formula for average acceleration?

The formula for average acceleration is a = (vf - vi)/t, where a is the average acceleration, vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, and t is the change in time.

How is average acceleration different from instantaneous acceleration?

Average acceleration is the overall change in velocity over a period of time, while instantaneous acceleration is the acceleration at a specific moment in time. Average acceleration takes into account the initial and final velocities, while instantaneous acceleration does not.

What are the units for average acceleration?

The units for average acceleration are typically meters per second squared (m/s^2) in the metric system and feet per second squared (ft/s^2) in the imperial system. These units represent change in velocity over time.

How can the average acceleration formula be applied in real-world situations?

The average acceleration formula can be used to calculate the acceleration of objects in motion, such as cars, airplanes, or projectiles. It can also be used in sports to measure the acceleration of athletes or in engineering to determine the acceleration of machines or structures.

What are some factors that can affect the accuracy of the average acceleration formula?

The accuracy of the average acceleration formula can be affected by external factors such as air resistance, friction, or uneven terrain. In addition, human error in measuring initial and final velocities or time can also impact the accuracy of the calculation.

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