Science · Grades 8–11
Acceleration
Velocities include direction; a negative result can represent decreasing positive velocity.
The key idea
Velocities include direction; a negative result can represent decreasing positive velocity.
a_avg = (v_f − v_i)/Δt
Worked examples
Velocity changes from 3 m/s to -3 m/s in 3 s. Find average acceleration in m/s².
(-3 − 3)/3 = -2
-2 m/s²
Velocity changes from 6 m/s to 6 m/s in 12 s. Find average acceleration in m/s².
(6 − 6)/12 = 0
0 m/s²
Try it yourself
Velocity changes from 17 m/s to -16 m/s in 11 s. Find average acceleration in m/s².
Velocity changes from 8 m/s to 32 m/s in 4 s. Find average acceleration in m/s².
Check your understanding
Answers and marking notes
- -3 m/s²
(-16 − 17)/11 = -3
- 6 m/s²
(32 − 8)/4 = 6
Further reading and review references
These are reference links, not copied exercises, institutional endorsement or proof of independent review.
Learning preview · teacher review required. Grade bands are approximate, not official curriculum alignment.