AQA · GCSE · Physics

    Course version: 8463 · Version from Sept 2016

    Acceleration: Students should be able to recall and apply this equation.

    The equation is a = Δv / t, where a is acceleration in metres per second squared (m/s²), Δv is the change in velocity in metres per second (m/s), and t is the time in seconds (s).

    Checked against the AQA 8463 specification (opens in a new tab) on .

    • Point 14 of 23
    • 2 key terms

    Study notes

    From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.

    The idea

    The equation is a = Δv / t, where a is acceleration in metres per second squared (m/s²), Δv is the change in velocity in metres per second (m/s), and t is the time in seconds (s). To apply it, first find Δv by subtracting the initial velocity from the final velocity. Then divide by the time taken. For example, a cyclist speeds up from 4 m/s to 10 m/s in 3 s: Δv = 10 − 4 = 6 m/s, so a = 6 / 3 = 2 m/s². You may also rearrange the equation to find Δv or t. Always include units and check that the time is in seconds. This equation applies to uniform acceleration in a straight line.

    What earns the marks

    • Recall the equation a = Δv / t.
    • Identify Δv as final velocity minus initial velocity.
    • Substitute values with correct units: velocity in m/s and time in s.
    • Calculate acceleration in m/s², including direction if required.
    • Rearrange the equation to find change in velocity or time when needed.

    Common mistakes and how to put them right

    • Using initial velocity instead of change in velocity.

      Put it right by calculating Δv = final velocity − initial velocity.

    • Forgetting to convert time to seconds before dividing.

      Put it right by converting minutes or milliseconds to seconds.

    • Omitting the unit m/s² or writing m/s for acceleration.

      Put it right by using m/s² for acceleration.

    Exam tips

    • Write down the equation a = Δv / t before substituting numbers.
    • Show your working clearly, including the calculation of Δv.
    • Check that your final answer has the correct unit and a sensible magnitude.

    Try the lesson

    The start of the Acceleration: Students should be able to recall and apply this equation. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.

    Have a go first

    A car changes velocity from 2 m/s to 14 m/s in 4 s. What is its acceleration?

    Listen

    The equation is a = Δv / t, where a is acceleration in metres per second squared (m/s²), Δv is the change in velocity in metres per second (m/s), and t is the time in seconds (s). To apply it, first find Δv by subtracting the initial velocity from the final velocity. Then divide by the time taken. For example, a cyclist speeds up from 4 m/s to 10 m/s in 3 s: Δv = 10 − 4 = 6 m/s, so a = 6 / 3 = 2 m/s². You may also rearrange the equation to find Δv or t. Always include units and check that the time is in seconds. This equation applies to uniform acceleration in a straight line. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Recall the equation a = Δv / t. Identify Δv as final velocity minus initial velocity. Substitute values with correct units: velocity in m/s and time in s. Calculate acceleration in m/s², including direction if required. A common slip: Using initial velocity instead of change in velocity. Instead, calculating Δv = final velocity − initial velocity. Exam tip: Write down the equation a = Δv / t before substituting numbers.

    See it

    A top-down flowchart. The first node reads 'Recall equation a = Δv / t'. From it, one arrow leads down to 'Find Δv = final velocity − initial velocity', which leads to 'Check time is in seconds', then to 'Divide Δv by t', and finally to 'Acceleration in m/s²'. A second arrow from the first node leads sideways to 'Rearrange to find Δv or t'.
    The steps for applying the acceleration equation a = Δv / t, from recalling it to calculating acceleration or rearranging it.

    Key words

    Say what each word means before you turn the card.

    Acceleration

    Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.

    Velocity change

    Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.

    See every definition
    Acceleration
    Measured in metres per second squared (m/s²) and calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the time taken.
    Velocity change
    Found by subtracting the initial velocity from the final velocity, in metres per second (m/s).

    Label the diagram

    Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.

    The diagram again, with 3 boxes numbered instead of named. A top-down flowchart. The first node reads 'Recall equation a = Δv / t'. From it, one arrow leads down to 'Find Δv = final velocity − initial velocity', which leads to 'Check time is in seconds', then to 'Divide Δv by t', and finally to 'Acceleration in m/s²'. A second arrow from the first node leads sideways to 'Rearrange to find Δv or t'.

    • 1Box 1

    • 2Box 2

    • 3Box 3

    0 of 3 labelled

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