Rate of Acceleration: Find Unit of Change

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that acceleration is defined as the rate of change in velocity, and the unit of the rate of change of acceleration is expressed as meters per second cubed (m/s³). When acceleration is measured in meters per second squared (m/s²), the time rate of change of acceleration results in units of m/s³. This reflects the concept that acceleration itself is a rate of change of velocity, leading to the conclusion that the unit of change in acceleration is indeed m/s³.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly acceleration and velocity.
  • Familiarity with units of measurement in physics, specifically SI units.
  • Knowledge of calculus, particularly the concept of derivatives as rates of change.
  • Basic mathematical skills for unit conversion and manipulation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of calculus, focusing on derivatives and their applications in physics.
  • Explore the concept of jerk, which is the rate of change of acceleration.
  • Learn about dimensional analysis to better understand unit conversions in physics.
  • Investigate real-world applications of acceleration and its derivatives in engineering and physics.
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if acceleration is defined as rate of change in velocity, then how do you find out the unit of rate of change of acceleration?
 
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The time rate of change of acceleration has units of acceleration/time.

If acceleration is in units of m/s/s (m/s^2), the time rate of change of acceleration would have units of m/s/s/s or m/s^3.
 
Acceleration: We say "metres per second squared", which is how it's written but what we really mean is "(metres per second) per second" i.e. 'rate of change of velocity'.
So rate of change of acceleration would be "((metres per second) per second) per second" or "metres per second cubed". Take your pick.
 

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