The average acceleration a over a time interval is defined asa)average...
The correct answer is indeed option B: "the change of velocity divided by the time interval."
Here's why:
Average Acceleration (a) is defined as the rate of change of velocity (Δv) over a given time interval (Δt). Mathematically, it's represented as:
a = Δv / Δt
or
a = (v₂ - v₁) / (t₂ - t₁)
where:
- v₁ is the initial velocity
- v₂ is the final velocity
- t₁ is the initial time
- t₂ is the final time
In simpler terms, acceleration measures how quickly an object changes its velocity. If an object's velocity increases or decreases over time, it's accelerating.
Why option B is correct:
- "The change of velocity" (Δv) represents the difference between the final and initial velocities.
- "Divided by the time interval" (Δt) represents the time over which this change occurs.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option A: Average velocity is not directly related to acceleration. Average velocity would be the total displacement divided by the time interval.
- Option C: Average speed is a scalar quantity, whereas acceleration is a vector quantity. Average speed doesn't account for direction changes.
- Option D: Average displacement divided by time interval would give average velocity, not acceleration.
I hope this explanation helps clarify the concept!