Rate of change of velocity
Tanusri Gururaj, Academic content writer of Physics at Edumarz
The rate of change of velocity of a body with time is known as acceleration. It is a vector quantity just like displacement and velocity.
Acceleration = Change in velocity of object/Time taken
SI unit of acceleration is m/s2
Acceleration has a positive sign if it is in the direction of velocity and has a negative sign if it is in the opposite direction of velocity.
For an object in uniform motion on a straight line, the change in velocity is zero and hence, acceleration is also zero.
Uniform acceleration:
When the velocity of a body travelling on a straight line increases or decreases by equal amounts in equal time periods.
For example, a ball rolling down an incline.
Non-uniform acceleration:
When the velocity of an object changes at a non-uniform rate.
For example, a truck travelling on a straight road increases its speed by unequal amounts in equal time periods.
Instantaneous acceleration:
The acceleration of a body at a particular instant is known as instantaneous acceleration.