Speed, Velocity and Acceleration
In this article we are going to learn about speed, velocity and acceleration, calculate speed, velocity and acceleration.
Definition of terms:
Speed: is the rate of distance. It is the distance traveled in unit time. Speed is calculated in m/s.
Velocity: is the rate of displacement. It is the distance traveled in unit time in a stated direction. Velocity is calculated in m/s.
Acceleration: is the rate of change of velocity. It is the change of velocity in unit time. Acceleration is calculated in m/s2.
Displacement: is the distance moved in a stated direction. It is measured in m.
Calculation of Speed:
We can calculate speed with the help of this equation S = d/t.
WHERE:
S is the speed of an object.
d is the distance traveled by an object.
t is the time taken by an object.
Worked example:
Question: A bus took a trip to Teyateyaneng from Maseru and it traveled 50 m in 25 s. Calculate the speed of the bus.
Solution: We should write down our equation so, the equation is S = d/t.
S = d/t.
S = 120 m/10 s.
S = 12 m/s.
Calculation of velocity:
We can calculate velocity with the help of this equation V = d/t.
WHERE:
V is the velocity.
d is the distance or displacement (s).
t is the time.
Worked example:
Question: A student run to the north with the speed of 100 m in 25 s. Find the velocity of the student.
Solution: We should write down our equation and the equation is V = d/t.
V = d/t
V = 100 m/25 s
V = 4 m/s
Calculation of acceleration:
We can calculate acceleration with the help of this equation a = V-u/t.
WHERE:
a is the acceleration.
V is the final velocity (velocity at the end).
u is the initial velocity (velocity at the start).
t is the time.
Worked example:
Question: A bus from Maseru to Teyateyaneng increased velocity from 50 m/s to 80 m/s in 5 s. Calculate the acceleration of the bus.
Solution: We should write down our equation and place our known and unknown variables. Our equation is a = V-u/t.
a = V-u/t
a = 80-50/5
a = 30/5
a = 6 m/s2