What is defined as a change in velocity (speed or direction) over a period of time?

What is defined as a change in velocity (speed or direction) over a period of time?

• A. Velocity
• B. Force
• C. Acceleration
• D. Momentum

Answer: (C)

Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity over a period of time. It represents how quickly an object's speed or direction changes. When an object speeds up, slows down, or changes direction, it is experiencing acceleration. This concept is fundamental in physics because it helps describe how forces are acting upon an object. For example, if a car accelerates from a stop to a certain speed, it is undergoing a change in velocity which occurs over the time interval during which the car is increasing its speed. Understanding acceleration is essential for analyzing motion and the effects of various forces acting on moving objects.