The right pedal in a car is called the accelerator, as pressing it makes the car increase in velocity every second. But the brake pedal could just as easily be called the accelerator, as pressing it makes the car decrease in velocity every second.
) Fig. 27.14 Accelerator in a car
Calculating acceleration Acceleration is calculated using the following formula:
acceleration = change in velocity (m/s) time taken (s)
The unit for acceleration is m/s2 EXAMPLE
Question A car is moving at 10 m/s and changes its velocity to 20 m/s in 5 s. Calculate the acceleration of the car.
Solution
acceleration = change in velocity (m/s) time taken (s)
acceleration = (20 m/s – 10 m/s) 5 (s)
acceleration = 10 m/s 5 (s)
acceleration = 2 m/s2
Question A motorbike is travelling at 24 m/s on a straight road, then brakes to a stop in 3 s. Calculate the acceleration of the motorbike.
Solution
acceleration = change in velocity (m/s) time taken (s)
acceleration = (0 m/s – 24 m/s) 3 (s)
acceleration = –24 (m/s) 3 (s)
acceleration = –8 m/s2 Note: the motorbike has a negative acceleration because it slowed down, i.e. the acceleration decreased.
Elements of Science 267 (metres per second squared).