Why do the units for time appear twice in the units for acceleration

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The discussion centers on the concept of acceleration and the reason time units appear twice in its formula. Acceleration is defined as the change in velocity over time, which necessitates two instances of time in the calculation. The formula a = Δv/Δt illustrates this relationship, where Δv represents the change in velocity and Δt the change in time. Participants also clarify that velocity is distinct from speed, emphasizing the importance of understanding these definitions in physics. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the need to grasp the underlying principles of motion to accurately apply the formulas.
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1. why do the units for time appear twice in the units for acceleration
2. a = v/t - v1-vo/t1-t0
3. once for speed change and once for time change.

1. what is the acceleration of a car that travels in a straight line at a constant speed of 27 m/s?
2. 27m/s / 10s
3. 2.7m
 
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mppaki said:
1. why do the units for time appear twice in the units for acceleration
2. a = v/t - v1-vo/t1-t0
3. once for speed change and once for time change.

1. what is the acceleration of a car that travels in a straight line at a constant speed of 27 m/s?
2. 27m/s / 10s
3. 2.7m

Is this:

1. why do the units for time appear twice in the units for acceleration

your first question?

Is this:

2. a = v/t - v1-vo/t1-t0

a possible answer?

It's not clear what you would like help with. Identify your question, then show your attempt to answer it.
 
a = v/t = v1-v0/t1-t0

i just want to know if i got the right answer or not
 
mppaki said:
a = v/t = v1-v0/t1-t0

i just want to know if i got the right answer or not

a=\frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}= \frac{v_{f}-v_{o}}{t_{f}-t_{o}}

you can't write it like "v1-v0/t1-t0" this means that v1 minus (vo over t1) minus t0.
 
Bright Wang said:
a=\frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}= \frac{v_{f}-v_{o}}{t_{f}-t_{o}}

you can't write it like "v1-v0/t1-t0" this means that v1 minus (vo over t1) minus t0.


yeah that's the equation i thought would relate, but are my answer correct?
 
What exactly is your question?
 
both number 1
 
mppaki said:
1. why do the units for time appear twice in the units for acceleration
2. a = v/t - v1-vo/t1-t0
3. once for speed change and once for time change.

1. what is the acceleration of a car that travels in a straight line at a constant speed of 27 m/s?
2. 27m/s / 10s
3. 2.7m

Okay, now that you have told us that Number 1 is the question in both cases, we can help you. First, your answer to question 1 is not correct. Think about the definitions. Velocity is change in position divided by change in time so the units are length/time or

V = \frac{L}{T}

Now acceleration is change in velocity divided by time. Take the equation I just wrote and do the algebra. What do you see?

For the second question. What is the adjective modifying the word speed? What is the definition of velocity that I just wrote? Put those tow ideas together and what do you get?

Hint: With physics sometime it's useful to ask "What does it mean?" and then go back and look at the definitions.
 

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