Acceleration Calculator (a = (v-u)/t)
Acceleration Calculator (a = (v-u)/t)
Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes over time. Choose which quantity you want to solve for, enter the other three known values, and this calculator computes the missing one.
A negative result specifically means deceleration — the object is losing speed rather than gaining it — which is a common source of sign confusion in physics problems, since a "negative acceleration" doesn't necessarily mean moving backward, just slowing down relative to the chosen direction. This is the first of the three SUVAT equations of motion (the standard set of formulas relating displacement, initial and final velocity, acceleration, and time under constant acceleration), and it's usually the starting point before moving on to the displacement or final-velocity versions for a more complete picture of the motion.
- The core formula is a = (v - u) / t, where u is initial velocity and v is final velocity, so speeding up from 0 to 20 m/s in 4 s gives 5 m/s².
- A negative result means deceleration - the object is slowing down rather than speeding up.
- This is the first of the three SUVAT equations of motion - see the Displacement and SUVAT Third Equation calculators for the other two.
How do I calculate acceleration?
Subtract the initial velocity from the final velocity, then divide by the time taken: a = (v - u) / t.
What is the acceleration of an object going from 0 to 20 m/s in 4 seconds?
(20 - 0) / 4 = 5 m/s².
Acceleration Calculator (a = (v-u)/t)
Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes over time. Choose which quantity you want to solve for, enter the other three known values, and this calculator computes the missing one.
A negative result specifically means deceleration — the object is losing speed rather than gaining it — which is a common source of sign confusion in physics problems, since a "negative acceleration" doesn't necessarily mean moving backward, just slowing down relative to the chosen direction. This is the first of the three SUVAT equations of motion (the standard set of formulas relating displacement, initial and final velocity, acceleration, and time under constant acceleration), and it's usually the starting point before moving on to the displacement or final-velocity versions for a more complete picture of the motion.
- The core formula is a = (v - u) / t, where u is initial velocity and v is final velocity, so speeding up from 0 to 20 m/s in 4 s gives 5 m/s².
- A negative result means deceleration - the object is slowing down rather than speeding up.
- This is the first of the three SUVAT equations of motion - see the Displacement and SUVAT Third Equation calculators for the other two.
How do I calculate acceleration?
Subtract the initial velocity from the final velocity, then divide by the time taken: a = (v - u) / t.
What is the acceleration of an object going from 0 to 20 m/s in 4 seconds?
(20 - 0) / 4 = 5 m/s².