Acceleration vs. Velocity Equations
Average Velocity
v a = (v1 + v0 ) / 2 (1)
where
v a = average velocity (m/s)
v0 = initial velocity (m/s)
v1 = final velocity (m/s)
Final Velocity
v1 = v0 + a t (2)
where
a = acceleration (m/s2)
t = time taken (s)
Distance Traveled
s = (v0 + v1 ) t / 2 (3)
where
s = distance traveled (m)
Alternative:
s = v0 t + 1/2 a t2(3b)
Acceleration
a = (v1 - v0 ) / t (4)
Alternative:
a = (v12- v02) / (2 s) (4b)
Example - Accelerating Motorcycle
A motorcycle starts with an initial velocity 0 km/h (0 m/s) and accelerates to 120 km/h (33.3 m/s) in 5 s .
The average velocity can be calculated with eq. (1) to
v a = ((33.3 m/s) - (0 m/s)) / 2
= 16.7 m/s
The distance traveled can be calculated with eq. (3) to
s = ( (0 m/s) + (33.3 m/s) ) (5 s) / 2
= 83.3 m
The acceleration can be calculated with eq. (4) to
a = ( (33.3 m/s) - (0 m/s) ) / (5 s)
= 6.7 m/s2
- compare with acceleration of gravity
Related Topics
• Dynamics
Motion of bodies and the action of forces in producing or changing their motion - velocity and acceleration, forces and torque.
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