Acceleration vs Retardation
Acceleration: Acceleration of a body is referred to as the rate of the change in velocity in a given period of time. It is a vector quantity and is measured in terms of m/s2.
Acceleration = Change in velocity/time
here, change in velocity is positive.
Let us assume that a body that is traveling at a uniform velocity increases its speed. The rate of increase in speed is referred to as the acceleration of a body. Let “u” be the initial velocity, “v” be the final velocity, and “t” be the time interval, then the acceleration of the body is given as,
Acceleration (a) = (v – u)/t
Example: An example of acceleration in everyday life is turning a car at a corner. The velocity of the car increases as the direction changes, which results in acceleration. The acceleration increases with increasing turn speed.
Retardation: Retardation of a body is referred to as the rate of the change in velocity in a given period of time. Retardation means negative acceleration.
Retardation = Change in velocity/time
here, change in velocity is negative.
Let us assume that a body that is traveling at a uniform velocity decreases its velocity. The rate of decrease in velocity is referred to as the retardation of a body. Let “u” be the initial velocity, “v” be the final velocity, and “t” be the time interval, then the retardation of the body is given as,
Retardation = (v – u)/t
Example: A real-life example of retardation is turning off a fan. When the switch of moving fan is switched off, the fan blades’ rate of rotation progressively slows down. This rate of reduction in the velocity of the fan is known as retardation.
Also Check This:
Acceleration Time Graphs
Acceleration is the change of velocity with time. In real life scenario acceleration also changes with time. For example, you are travelling from one city to another city by road. Then in this case you will accelerate more in case of empty road and will accelerate down in case of traffic. This change of acceleration can be observed by plotting acceleration against time in a graph. This called acceleration time graph. In this article, we will learn in detail about acceleration time graph and solve problems based on it.