PHYSICS 71 – ELEMENTARY PHYSICS I

CHAPTER 3 MOTION ALONG A STRAIGHT LINE

LECTURE

04 Acceleration

University of the Philippines Diliman

College of Science
N a t i o n a l In s t i t u t e o f P h y s i c s

We are now ready to discuss what acceleration is. Recall that changes in the position
of an object over time is described by its velocity. If an object changes it velocity at
any time along its trajectory, that change is what we call an acceleration.

You would encounter the word “acceleration,” in discussions about automobiles. A

good sports car accelerates from rest to its top speed in a very short period of time.

In this lecture, we will define concepts on acceleration in one-dimensional motion.

1
 Objectives
At the end of this session, you should be able to:
□ Define average and instantaneous
acceleration.
□ Describe motion in one dimension in terms of
average and instantaneous accelerations.
□ Analyze one-dimensional motion using verbal,
graphical and algebraic representations.

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 2

2
 Terminologies
Last lecture, we discussed the following concepts:
▪ displacement
▪ distance
▪ average velocity/speed/acceleration
▪ instantaneous velocity/speed/acceleration

Velocity/Speed: corresponds to a change in position

Acceleration: change in velocity

Direction
Speed

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 3

Velocity is how fast AND in what direction an object moves.

Acceleration is how the speed AND direction of the object’s motion are changing. It
is a usual misconception that the acceleration is only related to any change in speed.
Turning, or moving in a circle, are also ways by which an object can accelerate. Even if
you move along a circle with constant speed, since you are always changing in
direction along your path, the object still has an acceleration.

3
 Regarding subscripts
▪ For motion in, say, the x-axis, we write down the velocity and
acceleration as

vX aX and

respectively. (But if there are parts that lead to no confusion, we

can drop the subscripts.)

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 4

In general, kinematic vector quantities like displacement, velocity, and acceleration

are described using a three-dimensional coordinate system. Hence, it can be
described in terms of its components along these directions. These vector quantities
are written in 3D as follows:

𝑥റ = 𝑥𝑓 − 𝑥𝑖 𝑥ො + 𝑦𝑓 − 𝑦𝑖 𝑦ො + 𝑧𝑓 − 𝑧𝑖 𝑧Ƹ
𝑣റ = 𝑣𝑥 𝑥ො + 𝑣𝑦 𝑦ො + 𝑣𝑧 𝑧Ƹ
𝑎റ = 𝑎𝑥 𝑥ො + 𝑎𝑦 𝑦ො + 𝑎𝑧 𝑧Ƹ

In this chapter, we are dealing with one-dimensional motion, so we can drop the
subscripts completely. However, these will be useful in succeeding chapters.

4
 Acceleration
▪ Successive pictures were taken at equal intervals of
time. Which of the following images exhibits
acceleration?

NO

NO

YES!
Speeding up

YES!
Slowing down

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 5

In this exercise, you are given snapshots of a car’s position at equal time intervals.
How do we know whether an object is accelerating? This brings us back to our
definition of an objects velocity. The velocity of an object is defined as its
displacement divided evenly over some time interval.

Δ𝑥
𝑣=
Δ𝑡

Since we took snapshots every Δ𝑡, an indication of an acceleration would be uneven

distances between successive positions of the car. Hence, cases c and d exhibit
accelerating motion.

Even if you are slowing down, you are still accelerating. Acceleration in this context is
any change in the velocity. An object that is slowing down has an acceleration that is
opposite the direction of its motion.

5
 Acceleration
▪ Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with time.
velocity
𝑣
𝑣2
𝑣1 - velocity at time 𝑡1
𝑣2 - velocity at time 𝑡2

𝑣1
time
𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡

Average Acceleration – slope of the line joining 𝑣1 and 𝑣2

𝑣2 − 𝑣1 Δ𝑣
𝑎av = =
𝑡2 − 𝑡1 Δ𝑡
Lecture 04 - Acceleration 6

As in our previous definitions of an average quantity, the average acceleration of an

object is defined by a change in velocity between two points, at different times. This
definition of acceleration is not sensitive to any abrupt changes over a given time
interval.

6
 Acceleration
▪ Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with time.
velocity
𝑣
𝑣2
tangent line

time
𝑡2 𝑡

Instantaneous Acceleration – acceleration at a specific

instant in time. Slope of the tangent line in the v-t graph:
Δ𝑣
𝑎 = lim
Δ𝑡→0 Δ𝑡

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 7

The INSTANTANEOUS acceleration 𝑎 at time 𝑡 would refer to the slope of the line
tangent to the 𝑣 𝑡 at 𝑡.

7
Acceleration in 1D
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with time.
For straight-line motion, the average x-acceleration
is given by:

𝑣2𝑥 − 𝑣1𝑥 Δ𝑣𝑥

𝑎av−𝑥 = =
𝑡2 − 𝑡1 Δ𝑡
And the instantaneous x-acceleration is given by

Δ𝑣𝑥 𝑑𝑣
𝑎𝑥 = lim =
Δ𝑡→0 Δ𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑡=𝑡𝑜

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 8

8
 Acceleration
Accelerate in the direction of Accelerate at an angle to
velocity velocity
Speed up Change direction

Accelerate against
velocity
Slow down

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 9

There are different ways by which an acceleration would affect the motion of an
object.

If an object is accelerating in the direction of the its motion, it would speed up.
If an object is accelerating in the direction opposite to its motion, it would slow
down.
If an object accelerates at a direction that is neither parallel nor anti-parallel its
motion, it would turn and change its direction.

9
 Sign Conventions
Sign conventions for both velocity and acceleration
▪ Same signs: object is speeding up
▪ Opposite signs: object is slowing down

Specifically,
▪ 𝑣𝑥 > 0, 𝑎𝑥 > 0 moving to the right, speeding up
▪ 𝑣𝑥 < 0, 𝑎𝑥 < 0 moving to the left, speeding up
▪ 𝑣𝑥 > 0, 𝑎𝑥 < 0 moving to the right, slowing down
▪ 𝑣𝑥 < 0, 𝑎𝑥 > 0 moving to the left, slowing down

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 10

Since we are just working with one-dimensional motion, it is very easy to describe the
motion solely with a sign convention. Say, we set a positive direction that is directed
to the right; the negative direction is then to the left.

Having both the velocity and acceleration (which are vector quantities) positive tells
us that our object is moving to the right, and it speeds up over time.

Having both of those quantities negative tells us that our object is moving to the left,
and is speeding up to the left as well. The acceleration is reinforcing the leftward
motion.

If the velocity and acceleration have opposing signs, we have an object that is slowing
down. If you have an object that has a positive velocity, and a negative acceleration, it
would mean that it is slowing down to a complete stop (OR it may be trying to turn
around to the opposite direction).

10
 𝒗𝒙 and 𝒂𝒙 from an 𝒙-𝒕 plot
What to look for?
▪ Slope – Velocity
▪ Curvature – Acceleration

𝑥 C

D
E
B 𝑡

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 11

So, what are important quantities that we can obtain from x-t, v-t, and a-t plots? A lot
can be fleshed out of the kinematics by just looking at the rate of change along a
curve presented, and its curvature.

Mathematical aside: The rate of change of a curve at a point is the function 𝑓’s first-
order derivative 𝑓′(𝑥). The curvature of a curve at a point is the function 𝑓’s second-
order derivative 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 .

11
𝒗𝒙 and 𝒂𝒙 from an 𝒙-𝒕 plot
Slope – Velocity Curvature – Acceleration

▪ Positive: 𝑣𝑥 > 0 ▪ Upward: 𝑎𝑥 > 0

▪ Negative: 𝑣𝑥 < 0 ▪ Downward: 𝑎𝑥 < 0

▪ None: 𝑣𝑥 = 0 ▪ None: 𝑎𝑥 = 0

or

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 12

12
𝒗𝒙 and 𝒂𝒙 from an 𝒙-𝒕 plot
▪ Slope – Velocity

𝑥 C

D
E
B 𝑡

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 13

13
𝒗𝒙 and 𝒂𝒙 from an 𝒙-𝒕 plot
▪ Curvature – Acceleration
downward curvature
𝑥 C

zero curvature
D
E upward curvature
B 𝑡
zero curvature

A
upward curvature

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 14

14
 𝒗𝒙 and 𝒂𝒙 from an 𝒙-𝒕 plot

Point 𝑣𝑥 𝑎𝑥
A + +
B + 0
C 0 -
D - 0
E - +

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 15

At point A, you have an upward facing curve about its neighborhood. If you take the
slope of the tangent line to point A, you obtain a positive number. From this, you can
infer that the object is moving to the positive direction and accelerates over time.

At point B, you can observe a steep (but not vertical) increase which represents a
steep (but not vertical) tangent line with positive slope. Say the x-t plot is linear about
the neighborhood of point B, the instantaneous acceleration at that point is equal to
zero.

At point C, the object momentarily comes to a full stop. There is a transition between
moving to the (+) direction (from point B to point C), and to the (-) direction (from
point C to point D). The object has an instantaneous acceleration in the negative
direction. [Notice, that the curve is facing downward.]

At point D, we can observe a steep linear descent about its neighborhood. Hence, the
instantaneous velocity is negative, and its acceleration is zero.

Lastly, we see that the tangent line about point E has a negative slope (hence,
negative instantaneous velocity). The curve is also upward facing, hence accelerating.

15
 𝒗𝒙 and 𝒂𝒙 from an 𝒙-𝒕 plot

Point 𝑣𝑥 𝑎𝑥
A + +
B + 0
C 0 -
D - 0
E - +

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 16

You can see the physical scenarios through a vector diagram, as shown. A lot can be
deduced from the x-t plot. We can draw v-t and a-t plots from x-t plots, too!

16
 𝒗𝒙 and 𝒂𝒙 from an 𝒙-𝒕 plot
▪ Sketch the 𝑣−𝑡 and 𝑎−𝑡 graph.

RECALL:
𝑣 − 𝑡 graph → slope tangent line of 𝑥 − 𝑡 graph
𝑎 − 𝑡 graph → slope tangent line of 𝑣 − 𝑡 graph
Lecture 04 - Acceleration 17

We consider cases when our x-t curves are of maximum order 2 (quadratic in form,
f t = 𝐴 𝑡 2 + 𝐵𝑡 + 𝐶).

When A = 0, we have an order 1 polynomial (linear) whose derivative is given by,

𝑑𝑓
=𝐵
𝑑𝑡
which is a constant. If we take the second order derivative, we obtain
𝑑 2𝑓
=0
𝑑𝑡 2
When translated to physical language, an object is moving at a constant (non-
accelerating 𝑎 = 0) rate 𝐵 from initial position 𝐶.

When 𝐴 is non-zero, we have an order 2 polynomial (quadratic) whose derivative is

given by,
𝑑𝑓
= 2𝐴𝑡 + 𝐵 = 𝛼𝑡 + 𝐵
𝑑𝑡
which is a linear function. If we take the second order derivative, we are left with
𝑑 2𝑓
=𝛼
𝑑𝑡 2
When translated to physical language, an object is accelerating at a rate 𝛼, with at
initial velocity 𝐵, from initial position 𝐶.

17
 𝒗𝒙 and 𝒂𝒙 from an 𝒙-𝒕 plot
Decreasing Decreasing
Positive, Negative,

Constant Constant
Positive Negative

Increasing Increasing
Positive Negative
𝑣𝑥
𝑡

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 18

You can see in this plot that there are regions when you either have a straight line or
a parabolic curve. Since we are dealing with uniformly accelerated motion in this
chapter, 𝑥 − 𝑡 plots usually represent functions of maximum order 2.

If you have an upward facing parabolic 𝑥 − 𝑡 curve that is increasing over time, the
corresponding velocity plot would manifest a linear plot with positive slope.

If you have a straight 𝑥 − 𝑡 curve that is increasing over time, the corresponding
velocity plot will be a constant plot that is positive.

If you have a downward facing parabola which peaks at a certain value, you are
certain that as you progress through time, your velocity decreases to zero. After
crossing the peak, the velocity then increases in the negative direction.

If you have a decreasing linear 𝑥 − 𝑡 plot, the object is constantly moving in the
negative direction. Hence, its 𝑣 − 𝑡 plot would be a horizontal line segment in the
negative region.

18
 𝒗𝒙 and 𝒂𝒙 from an 𝒙-𝒕 plot
Slopes are:
Constant
zero Constant
𝑣𝑥 negative

𝑡
Constant 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
positive Constant
Constant positive
zero

𝑎𝑥

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 19

Translating 𝑣 − 𝑡 to 𝑎 − 𝑡 plots is straightforward since velocity plots are of max

order 1. 𝑎 − 𝑡 plots could either represent a positive constant acceleration
(accelerating in (+) direction), negative (accelerating in (-) direction), or zero (not
accelerating).

19
 QUIZ
For questions 1 to 3:
1. 1.During which
During which interval(s)
interval(s) is theis the
object moving towards the x
object moving towards the negative
negative x-direction?
direction?
(a)a)during
during interval
interval B only
B only
(b)b)during
during intervals
intervals B andB Cand C
(c)c)during
during intervals
intervals C andC Dand D
(d)d)during
during intervals
intervals B andB Dand D
(e)e)during
during intervals
intervals B, C B,
andCDand D

2.2. What
What isisthe
the velocity
velocity ofobject
of the the object at[s]?
at t = 7.0 t = 7.0 [s]?
(a) + 3.0 [m/s] (c) – 2.0 [m/s] (e) zero [m/s]
(b)a) + 3.0
– 1.0 [m/s][m/s] c) – 3.0
(d) 2.0[m/s]
[m/s] e) zero [m/s]
Theb)object
– 1.0moves
[m/s]with constant
d) – 3.0 [m/s]
velocity in the time interval
3.5.0[s]<t<10[s],
What is thetherefore
object'stheaverage
instantaneous velocity
velocity at any
from t = time
5.0 between
[s] to t
this interval is just equal to the average velocity.
= 20.0 [s]?
3. a)
What is the
+ 2.0 object's average
[m/s] c) zerovelocity
[m/s]from t = 5.0 [s]
e)to– t2.0
= 20.0 [s]?
[m/s]
(a)b)
+ 2.0 [m/s]
+ 1.0 [m/s] (c)
d) zero
– 1.0[m/s]
[m/s] (e) – 2.0 [m/s]
(b) + 1.0 [m/s] (d) – 1.0 [m/s]
Just use the04
Lecture average velocity formula.
- Acceleration 20

Try solving these exercises by yourself. The solutions are shown in the next slides.

20
 QUIZ
𝑥
4. Given the x-t graph
below, which of the
following is its
corresponding v-t
graph?
𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3
𝑡

v v v

t t t
𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3 𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3 𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3

A B C

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 21

21
 QUIZ
𝑥

5. Given the x-t graph

below, which of the
following is its
corresponding v-t 𝑡
graph? 𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3 𝑡4

v v v

t t t
𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3 𝑡4 𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3 𝑡4 𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3 𝑡4

A B C

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 22

22
 SOLUTION
For questions 1 to 3:
1. 1.During which
During which interval(s)
interval(s) is theis the
object moving towards the x
object moving towards the negative
negative x-direction?
direction?
(a)a)during
during interval
interval B only
B only
(b)b)during
during intervals
intervals B andB Cand C
(c)c)during
during intervals
intervals C andC Dand D
(d)d)during
during intervals
intervals B andB Dand D
(e)e)during
during intervals
intervals B, C B,
andCDand D

2.2. What
What isisthe
the velocity
velocity ofobject
of the the object at[s]?
at t = 7.0 t = 7.0 [s]?
(a) + 3.0 [m/s] (c) – 2.0 [m/s] (e) zero [m/s]
(b)a) + 3.0
– 1.0 [m/s][m/s] c) – 3.0
(d) 2.0[m/s]
[m/s] e) zero [m/s]
Theb)object
– 1.0moves
[m/s]with constant
d) – 3.0 [m/s]
velocity in the time interval
3.5.0[s]<t<10[s],
What is thetherefore
object'stheaverage
instantaneous velocity
velocity at any
from t = time
5.0 between
[s] to t
this interval is just equal to the average velocity.
= 20.0 [s]?
3. a)
What is the
+ 2.0 object's average
[m/s] c) zerovelocity
[m/s]from t = 5.0 [s]
e)to– t2.0
= 20.0 [s]?
[m/s]
(a)b)
+ 2.0 [m/s]
+ 1.0 [m/s] (c)
d) zero
– 1.0[m/s]
[m/s] (e) – 2.0 [m/s]
(b) + 1.0 [m/s] (d) – 1.0 [m/s]
Just use the04
Lecture average velocity formula.
- Acceleration 23

In number 1, we are given an x-t plot. For intervals A and D, the object is moving
towards the positive x-direction. For interval C, the object is at rest. The object only
moves towards the negative x-direction in interval B.

To answer number 2, we first note that at time t = 7.0s, the object is in interval B.
During this interval, the velocity is constant. This means that the instantaneous
velocity for each point in this interval is equal to the average velocity of the interval.
Then, using the definition of average velocity, we get a velocity of -3.0 m/s.

To answer number 3, we use the definition of average velocity.

23
 SOLUTION
𝑥
4. Given the x-t graph
below, which of the
following is its
corresponding v-t
graph?
𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3
𝑡

v v v

t t t
𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3 𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3 𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3

A B C

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 24

To convert the x-t graph into its corresponding v-t graph, we look at each interval. In
the first interval, the object has a constant positive velocity. In the second interval,
the object has a constant negative velocity.

24
 SOLUTION
𝑥

5. Given the x-t graph

below, which of the
following is its
corresponding v-t 𝑡
graph? 𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3 𝑡4

v v v

t t t
𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3 𝑡4 𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3 𝑡4 𝑡1 𝑡2 𝑡3 𝑡4

A B C

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 25

Again, to convert the x-t graph into its corresponding v-t graph, we look at each
interval. In the first interval, the object has a constant positive velocity. In the second
interval, the velocity is increasing.

25
Credits/References
▪ University Physics 13th Ed, H. Young and R. Freedman
Pearson Education 2014
▪ PowerPoint Lectures for University Physics 13th Ed,
Wayne Anderson
Pearson Education 2012
▪ Physics 71 Lectures by J Vance, M Flores, A Lacaba, PJ
Blancas, G Pedemonte, DL Sombillo, K Agapito

▪ Annotations by: Mark Ivan Ugalino

▪ Edited by: Rene L. Principe Jr.

Lecture 04 - Acceleration 26

26