# Average Acceleration

1. Oct 22, 2006

### rachelle

Hi, this may seem like a silly question, but I'm gunna ask it anyway...

I have the ff. data for acceleration:

0
9.152
8.43
9.07
7.731
10.423

When I calculate the average acceleration, would it be the sum divided by 6 or would it be the sum divided by 5? That is, should I include the "0" in calculating my average?

2. Oct 22, 2006

Since 0 is a value as any other one, you must include it.

3. Oct 22, 2006

### rachelle

Thanks!

~rachelle

4. Oct 22, 2006

### rachelle

Hmm.. sorry, follow-up question...

What if I'm calculating my average acceleration for gravity, do I need to include the "0" then?

It's just that when I didn't include the "0" on my calculations, it was nearer the true value of "g" (9.81)
But when I included zero in calculating my average, it was a little far off....

ps: i'm doing my lab on calculating "g" free-falling object

5. Oct 22, 2006

Hm, in that case, if 0 is the value that was attained while the object was being held (which is obvious), then you shouldn't include it. (Unless I'm missing something.)

6. Oct 22, 2006

### rachelle

Oh sorry, I guess you are right! Actually, the Time column shows "0" but the Acceleration column shows blank (so was the Velocity & Distance columns for the first row). I just assumed initial Acceleration will be 0 and include it on calculating the average acceleration, when in fact like you said it shouldn't be included cuz the object was being held initially, before I dropped it.

Gah.. I feel stupid! Thanks for your help :)