What are the variables in the formula for average acceleration?

AI Thread Summary
The formula for average acceleration is defined as (v_final - v_initial) / (t_initial - t_final). The discussion clarifies that v_initial and v_final refer to instantaneous velocities, not average velocities. Instantaneous velocities are determined by the second derivative of a function at specific points. This distinction is crucial for accurately calculating average acceleration in physics. Understanding these variables is essential for applying the formula correctly.
MienTommy
Messages
22
Reaction score
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Instantaneous velocities.
 
They are instantaneous velocities, yes.
 

Thread '1:1 versus 2:1 Mechanical Advantage debate'

The rope is tied into the person (the load of 200 pounds) and the rope goes up from the person to a fixed pulley and back down to his hands. He hauls the rope to suspend himself in the air. What is the mechanical advantage of the system? The person will indeed only have to lift half of his body weight (roughly 100 pounds) because he now lessened the load by that same amount. This APPEARS to be a 2:1 because he can hold himself with half the force, but my question is: is that mechanical...
View full post »

Thread 'Newton's first law?'

Some physics textbook writer told me that Newton's first law applies only on bodies that feel no interactions at all. He said that if a body is on rest or moves in constant velocity, there is no external force acting on it. But I have heard another form of the law that says the net force acting on a body must be zero. This means there is interactions involved after all. So which one is correct?
View full post »
Thread 'Beam on an inclined plane'

Thread 'Beam on an inclined plane'

Hello! I have a question regarding a beam on an inclined plane. I was considering a beam resting on two supports attached to an inclined plane. I was almost sure that the lower support must be more loaded. My imagination about this problem is shown in the picture below. Here is how I wrote the condition of equilibrium forces: $$ \begin{cases} F_{g\parallel}=F_{t1}+F_{t2}, \\ F_{g\perp}=F_{r1}+F_{r2} \end{cases}. $$ On the other hand...
View full post »

Similar threads

B Understanding Average Velocity in Linear Motion with Constant Acceleration
Replies
1
Views
1K
A question about humans and acceleration
Replies
17
Views
2K
How can the 0.5 in the acceleration and distance formula be explained?
Replies
6
Views
6K
Can Distance Traveled be Calculated Mathematically in Average Speed?
Replies
16
Views
5K
Derive 1-dimensional motion from average acceleration (no calculus)
Replies
2
Views
2K
Relating acceleration to distance and time
Replies
5
Views
3K
I Feynman's derivation of average square distance variation in Brownian motion
Replies
3
Views
185
Most general dependence of acceleration
Replies
1
Views
949
Planning Space Flight: Change in Acceleration
Replies
29
Views
3K
I What is the acceleration at the contact point between a wheel and surface?
Replies
17
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top