What is the Difference Between Acceleration and Velocity?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between acceleration and velocity lies in their definitions and what they represent in the context of motion. Here are the key differences:
- Velocity: Velocity is the rate of change of displacement (change of distance in a particular direction with respect to time). It represents the speed of an object in a given direction and is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. Velocity is calculated using the formula displacement/time (d/t) and is measured in meters per second (m/s).
- Acceleration: Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity per unit of time. It represents how fast an object's velocity changes with time and is also a vector quantity. Acceleration is calculated using the formula change in velocity/time (v/t) and is measured in meters per second squared (m/s²).
In summary, velocity is the rate at which an object moves in a particular direction, while acceleration is the rate at which an object changes its velocity. Both velocity and acceleration are vector quantities, requiring both magnitude and direction to fully specify them.
Comparative Table: Acceleration vs Velocity
Here is a table comparing acceleration and velocity:
| Property | Velocity | Acceleration |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Velocity is the rate of change of displacement. It is the speed of an object in a given direction. | Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. It is the change in velocity of an object per unit time. |
| Formula | Velocity = Displacement / Time | Acceleration = Change in Velocity / Time |
| Nature | Vector quantity, as it has both magnitude and direction. | Vector quantity, as it has both magnitude and direction. |
| Unit of Measurement | Meters per second (m/s) | Meters per second squared (m/s²) |
| Ascertains | How fast an object is moving and in which direction. | How fast an object's velocity changes with time. |
| Examples | A car traveling at 60 miles per hour from North to South. | A car slowing down from 60 miles per hour to 40 miles per hour in 5 seconds. |
From the table, you can see that velocity is the rate of change of displacement, while acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. Velocity is measured in meters per second (m/s), and acceleration is measured in meters per second squared (m/s²). Both velocity and acceleration are vector quantities, meaning they have both magnitude and direction.
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