Why is the SI unit for acceleration m/(s^2)?

In summary, the SI unit for acceleration is \frac{m}{s^2} (meters per second squared) because it is equivalent to \frac{\frac{m}{s}}{s} (meters per second per second). The seconds are moved to the denominator in division style, resulting in the same unit as meters per second squared. This is not an error, but a different way of writing the same unit.
  • #1
ffleming7
25
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Why is the SI unit for acceleration [tex]\frac{m}{s^2}[/tex](meters per second squared) when it is actually [tex]\frac{m}{\frac{s}{s}}[/tex] (meters per second per second). Isn't the part concerning the seconds different? Wouldn't this give you different answers sometimes, or does that usually never get in the way.
 
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  • #2
meters per second per second is the same thing as meters per second squared. If you want to do it division style, the seconds move to the denominator so you might as well write s*s as s^2.
 
  • #3
ffleming7 said:
Why is the SI unit for acceleration [tex]\frac{m}{s^2}[/tex](meters per second squared) when it is actually [tex]\frac{m}{\frac{s}{s}}[/tex] (meters per second per second). Isn't the part concerning the seconds different? Wouldn't this give you different answers sometimes, or does that usually never get in the way.
The way you've written it is not correct. It is [tex]\frac{\frac{m}{s}}{s} = \frac{m}{s}* \frac{1}{s}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Thank you. That makes a lot more sense now. So [tex]\frac{\frac{m}{s}}{s} = \frac{m}{s}* \frac{1}{s}=\frac{m}{s^2}[/tex].
 

1. Why is the SI unit for acceleration m/(s^2)?

The SI unit for acceleration is m/(s^2) because it represents the change in velocity (m/s) over a certain period of time (s). This unit is derived from the fundamental units of length and time in the International System of Units (SI).

2. How is the SI unit for acceleration determined?

The SI unit for acceleration is determined by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. This results in units of meters per second squared (m/s^2).

3. What does the SI unit for acceleration represent?

The SI unit for acceleration represents the rate of change of velocity over time. It is a measure of how quickly an object's speed or direction is changing.

4. Why is the SI unit for acceleration important?

The SI unit for acceleration is important because it allows for a standardized and universal way of measuring and comparing acceleration values. It is also essential in many scientific calculations and equations, particularly in the fields of physics and engineering.

5. Are there any other units for acceleration besides m/(s^2)?

Yes, there are other units for acceleration, such as feet per second squared (ft/s^2) and kilometers per hour squared (km/h^2). However, the SI unit of m/(s^2) is the most commonly used and widely accepted unit for acceleration in scientific and technical contexts.

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