instantaneous+vs+average+acceleration

go back to kinematics

Average Acceleration
The average rate of change between two points on a curve is determined by finding the gradient of the straight line joining these two points.(gradient of the secant). In this graph we are looking for the average acceleration during 8 ~ 16 time interval. The slope of line that passes this two points A and B refers the average acceleration.
 * Average acceleration** is ratio of change in velocity to change in time(time interval)

Insatntaneous Accerleration
**Instantaneous accerleration** is change in velocity at one moment(elapsed time is almost zero). When we find fthe instantaneous acceleration at a specific moment, we should look for the //gradient of the tagent// ate the point on the curve. If the graph is straight line then the average acceleration and instantaneous acceleration is same.

Here, we are looking for the instantaneous acceleration at the moment when time is 16 second which is point C. Now, we make a tangent line which passes the point and make a right triangle. The slope of this tangent line is the instantaeous acceleration.