Acceleration Calculator
Rate of change of velocity over time.
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Formula
a = (v − u) ÷ t
Acceleration is the change in velocity divided by the time interval. Positive values mean speeding up in the positive direction; negative values mean slowing down or reversing.
Worked example
Going from 0 to 20 m/s in 5 s is a = 4 m/s².
Where this can give the wrong answer
- Zero or negative time is rejected.
- Assumes constant acceleration over the interval — real engines and brakes rarely hold a perfectly flat a.
- Large Δv over tiny t can exceed everyday experience (crash dynamics).
FAQ
- Yes. Negative acceleration (deceleration) means velocity is decreasing in the chosen positive direction.