Average Acceleration Formula

Average Acceleration Formula

Acceleration is defined as the rate of change in velocity. This is indicated by an “a” and is measured in m / s². The average acceleration at a particular interval is defined as the change in velocity at that particular interval. Unlike acceleration, the average acceleration is calculated at specific intervals.

Formula

Average acceleration = ∆v / ∆t

Here

∆v = change in velocity

∆t = total time over which there is a change in velocity

Average acceleration = v_f – v_i / t_f – t_i

Here,

V_f = final velocity

V_i = initial velocity

T_i = initial time

T_f = final time

Solved examples

Ex. 1. Sparrows accelerate from 3m / s to 6m / s in 5 seconds on their way back to their nests, but what about the average acceleration? 

Solution 

Given: Initial velocity, v_i = 3m / s

Final velocity v_f = 6m / s 

Total time for acceleration, t = 5 s

Average acceleration = v_f – v_i / t_f – t_i

Average acceleration = 6-3 / 5 = 0.6 m/s²