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How do you explain acceleration?

Sean Alexander, MS
Academic Tutor
Sean Alexander is an Academic Tutor specializing in teaching mathematics and physics. Sean is the Owner of Alexander Tutoring, an academic tutoring business that provides personalized studying sessions focused on mathematics and physics. With over 15 years of experience, Sean has worked as a physics and math instructor and tutor for Stanford University, San Francisco State University, and Stanbridge Academy. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MS in Theoretical Physics from San Francisco State University.

Sean Alexander, MS

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How I calculate average acceleration if time is not given only distance and speed is given?

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Divide your distance by speed to get your time.

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How do I calculate the average acceleration when given only velocity and distance but not time?

Community Answer

You solve for your time first with Xf= Xi+1/2(Vi+Vf)t. Rearrange the formula to solve for t, then input your answer for time and solve for average acceleration.

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How do I calculate average acceleration from average velocity?

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You need the amount of time to be able to calculate average acceleration, as it is velocity/time.

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If I know the initial and final velocities, how would I calculate the final time?

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You would subtract the final velocity from the initial, and then divide that by the total time. That will get you your answer.

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How can I find average acceleration given the velocities and time?

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Take the final and initial velocity and divide it by the total time.

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How can I calculate average acceleration if I do not know the time?

Community Answer

Calculate the time (hint: using linear equations) using the given info first, and then substitute the time into the average velocity formula.

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How can I calculate acceleration when I don't know final and initial velocity?

Community Answer

There are many formulas that can be used to calculate acceleration, depending on the details that you have been given. For example, you could use the formula f = ma (where f = force, m = mass, a = acceleration), and make 'a' the subject of the formula, which would be a = f/m. Another example would be s = 1/2at^2 (where s = distance, a = acceleration, t = time). Note: this is only true for free fall, hence a=2s/t^2.

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