Enter the change in speed and the change in time into the calculator to determine the Acceleration from Speed. 

Acceleration from Speed Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Acceleration from Speed.

A = dS / dT
  • Where m/s^2 is the Acceleration from Speed (m/s^2)
  • dS is the change in speed (m/s)
  • dT is the change in time (s)

To calculate acceleration from speed, divide the change in speed by the change in time.

What are the units for Acceleration from Speed?

The most common units for Acceleration from Speed are m/s^2.

How to Calculate Acceleration from Speed?

Example Problem:

The following example problem outlines the steps and information required to calculate the Acceleration from Speed.

First, determine the change in speed. In this example, the change in speed is measured to be 35 (m/s).

Next, determine the change in time. For this problem, the change in time is calculated to be 5 (s).

Finally, calculate the Acceleration from Speed using the formula above: 

A = dS / dT

Inserting the values from above and solving the equation gives us: 

A = 35 / 5 = 7 (m/s^2)

FAQ

What is the significance of measuring acceleration in m/s^2?

Measuring acceleration in meters per second squared (m/s^2) is significant because it provides a clear indication of how quickly an object’s velocity changes over time. This unit is universally accepted in physics and engineering, allowing for consistent communication and calculations regarding motion across different contexts and applications.

Can acceleration be negative?

Yes, acceleration can be negative. Negative acceleration, often referred to as deceleration, indicates that an object is slowing down. The direction of acceleration is dependent on the direction of the change in velocity. If the velocity of an object decreases, its acceleration is considered to be negative.

How does the concept of acceleration apply to everyday life?

The concept of acceleration applies to everyday life in numerous ways, from driving a car to playing sports. For instance, when a car speeds up, it is accelerating, and the rate of this acceleration can affect fuel efficiency and safety. In sports, athletes’ ability to quickly increase their speed (accelerate) can be crucial to their performance. Understanding acceleration can also help in making predictions about the motion of objects in various situations.