Difference Between Velocity and Acceleration

Most recent answer: 12/04/2013

Q:
What is the main difference between velocity and acceleration?
- Abdullah (age 17 year)
Pakistan
A:

Hello Abdullah,

Both velocity and acceleration have to do with rates of change.  Velocity is the rate of change of distance with respect to time.  For example if you travel with a velocity of 10 meters per second you will travel 100 meters in 10 seconds, 200 meters in 20 seconds, etc.  Similarly, acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. 

It seems to me you are ready for calculus, which deals with such concepts in a more formal way.  Get an elementary calculus text and start studying it.

 

LeeH


(published on 12/04/2013)