Acceleration Calculator
Calculate acceleration from velocity change, distance traveled, or force and mass using Newton's laws
Calculate Acceleration
Starting velocity of the object
Ending velocity of the object
Time taken for velocity change
Acceleration Results
Calculation Details
Formula: a = (vf - vi) / Δt
Initial velocity: 0.00 m/s
Final velocity: 0.00 m/s
Time: 0.00 s
Additional Results
Acceleration type: Zero (constant velocity)
Comparison to gravity: Much less than gravity
Acceleration Analysis
Example Calculations
Car Acceleration (Velocity Change)
Scenario: Car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds
Initial velocity: 0 m/s
Final velocity: 60 mph = 26.82 m/s
Time: 5 seconds
Calculation: a = (26.82 - 0) ÷ 5 = 5.36 m/s²
Result: 5.36 m/s² ≈ 0.55g acceleration
Distance-Based Calculation
Scenario: Object starts at 10 m/s, travels 100m in 8 seconds
Initial velocity: 10 m/s
Distance: 100 m
Time: 8 seconds
Calculation: a = 2(100 - 10×8) ÷ 8² = 1.25 m/s²
Result: 1.25 m/s² acceleration
Newton's Second Law
Scenario: 1000 N force applied to 500 kg object
Force: 1000 N
Mass: 500 kg
Calculation: a = F ÷ m = 1000 ÷ 500 = 2 m/s²
Result: 2 m/s² acceleration
Types of Acceleration
Linear Acceleration
Change in speed along a straight line
Most common type in everyday motion
Centripetal Acceleration
Change in direction during circular motion
Points toward center of circular path
Angular Acceleration
Change in rotational speed
Measured in radians per second squared
Key Formulas
a = (vf - vi) / Δt
Velocity change method
a = 2(Δd - vi×Δt) / Δt²
Distance traveled method
a = F / m
Newton's second law
Physics Tips
Acceleration is a vector quantity (has direction)
Negative acceleration means slowing down or opposite direction
Units: m/s² (SI), ft/s², or g (gravity units)
Earth's gravity: 9.81 m/s² downward
Force and acceleration are directly proportional
Understanding Acceleration in Physics
What is Acceleration?
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. It's a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. Acceleration occurs whenever there is a change in speed, direction, or both. It's directly related to the net force acting on an object.
Newton's Second Law
Newton's second law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. This fundamental relationship is expressed as F = ma, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration.
Three Methods of Calculation
- •Velocity Change: When you know initial and final velocities and time
- •Distance Traveled: When you know initial velocity, distance, and time
- •Force and Mass: When you know the net force and mass (Newton's 2nd Law)
Units of Acceleration
- •SI Units: meters per second squared (m/s²)
- •Imperial Units: feet per second squared (ft/s²)
- •Gravity Units: g (where 1g = 9.81 m/s²)
Real-World Applications
- •Automotive: Vehicle performance, braking systems, safety design
- •Aerospace: Rocket launches, aircraft performance, orbital mechanics
- •Sports: Athletic performance analysis, equipment design
- •Engineering: Machine design, structural analysis, robotics
Common Acceleration Values
- •Gravity on Earth: 9.81 m/s² (downward)
- •Car acceleration: 2-5 m/s² (typical)
- •Emergency braking: 8-10 m/s² (deceleration)
- •Fighter jet: 50+ m/s² (extreme acceleration)