Acceleration Calculator
Our kinematics calculator computes acceleration accurately. Enter measurements for results with formulas and error analysis.
Reviewed by Manoj Kumar, Mathematics Educator
Formula
a = (vf - v₀) / t | d = v₀t + ½at² | vf² = v₀² + 2ad
The kinematic equations describe motion with constant acceleration. a = (vf - v₀)/t finds acceleration. d = v₀t + ½at² finds displacement. vf = v₀ + at finds final velocity. vf² = v₀² + 2ad relates velocity and distance without time.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Car Acceleration
Problem:A car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (27.78 m/s) in 8 seconds. Find the acceleration and distance.
Solution:a = (vf - v₀) / t = (27.78 - 0) / 8 = 3.47 m/s²\na = 0.354g\nd = v₀t + ½at² = 0 + ½(3.47)(64) = 111.11 m
Result:a = 3.47 m/s² (0.354g) | d = 111.11 m
Example 2: Braking Distance
Problem:A car traveling at 30 m/s brakes with deceleration of -6 m/s². How far does it travel before stopping?
Solution:v₀ = 30 m/s, vf = 0 m/s, a = -6 m/s²\nd = (vf² - v₀²) / (2a) = (0 - 900) / (-12) = 75 m\nt = (vf - v₀) / a = (0 - 30) / (-6) = 5 s
Result:Braking distance: 75 m | Time to stop: 5 s
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acceleration?
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time, measured in meters per second squared (m/s²). Positive acceleration means speeding up, negative acceleration (deceleration) means slowing down. The formula is a = (vf - v₀) / t, where vf is final velocity, v₀ is initial velocity, and t is time. For example, a car going from 0 to 60 mph (26.8 m/s) in 5 seconds has an acceleration of 5.36 m/s², or about 0.55 g.
References
Reviewed by Manoj Kumar, Mathematics Educator · Editorial policy