GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Acceleration & Deceleration

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Forces Forces and motion

Acceleration & Deceleration

3:08 Acceleration
Spec 4.5.6.1.5
Previous Accelerating Distance-Time Graphs Next Newton's Second Law
  • Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.
  • Velocity is a vector quantity indicating speed and direction.
  • Acceleration is also a vector quantity, showing how velocity changes over time.
  • An accelerating object gains speed.
  • Example: A car starts moving slowly and ends moving quickly, indicating acceleration.
  • Visual representation: Longer vector arrow for ending velocity.
  • Arrows with double arrowheads can represent accelerations.
  • Acceleration in the same direction as velocity increases velocity (positive acceleration).
  • A decelerating object loses speed.
  • Example: A skydiver with a parachute slows down, showing negative acceleration.
  • Acceleration vector opposite to velocity vector indicates negative acceleration.
  • Acceleration's effect on velocity depends on its direction relative to velocity.
  • Greater acceleration results in faster speed gain.
  • Magnitude of acceleration affects velocity change.
  • Example: A truck takes 60 seconds to reach 60 mph, while a sports car takes 5 seconds, indicating greater acceleration for the car.
  • For exams, identify if an object is accelerating or decelerating and explain effects on velocity.
  • Compare accelerations of two objects.

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