Speed, Velocity, and Acceleration

Front

What is acceleration?

Back

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity of an object. It can involve speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction.

Front

Is a swimmer pulling ahead in a race an example of acceleration?

Back

Yes, this is acceleration since the swimmer starts to speed up to pull ahead.

Front

What is velocity?

Back

Velocity is the speed of an object in a specific direction.

Front

Which of the following is an example of velocity?

Back

A car driving 55 miles per hour south.

Front

What is the formula to calculate speed?

Back

Speed = distance/time.

Front

What is a unit of distance?

Back

Meters.

Front

If you slow down on your bicycle, what type of acceleration is that?

Back

That is negative acceleration (deceleration).

Front

What does a speed of 10 meters per second mean?

Back

It means an object travels 10 meters in one second.

Front

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Back

Speed is a scalar quantity (magnitude only), while velocity is a vector quantity (magnitude and direction).

Front

What happens to acceleration if an object moves in a circular path?

Back

The object is accelerating because its direction is changing, even if its speed remains constant.