To determine the correct unit for acceleration, let's start by understanding what acceleration is.
Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. In other words, it describes how quickly an object's velocity changes.
Since velocity is measured in meters per second (m/s), and time is measured in seconds (s), the unit for acceleration is derived from how we change velocity over time.
Mathematically, acceleration (a) is given by:
[tex]\[ a = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t} \][/tex]
where:
- [tex]\(\Delta v\)[/tex] is the change in velocity (measured in meters per second, m/s)
- [tex]\(\Delta t\)[/tex] is the change in time (measured in seconds, s)
By dividing the change in velocity by the change in time, the units work out to:
[tex]\[ a = \frac{\text{meters per second (m/s)}}{\text{second (s)}} = \text{meters per second squared (m/s}^2\text{)} \][/tex]
With the above understanding, we can now review the given options:
A. Newtons - This is a unit of force.
B. Kilograms - This is a unit of mass.
C. Meters per second squared - This is a unit of acceleration.
D. Foot-pounds - This is a unit of energy or torque.
Clearly, the correct unit for acceleration is meters per second squared.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
C. Meters per second squared
