What is the formula for acceleration?

The formula for acceleration is derived from the change in velocity over a specific period of time, making it a straightforward calculation. The correct formulation states that acceleration is equal to the final velocity minus the initial velocity, divided by the time taken for that change. This relationship reflects how quickly an object is speeding up or slowing down, which is fundamental in the study of motion.

In this context, the formula can be represented mathematically as:

[ a = \frac{v_f - v_i}{t} ]

where ( a ) is acceleration, ( v_f ) is the final velocity, ( v_i ) is the initial velocity, and ( t ) is the time interval over which the velocity change occurs. Understanding acceleration in this way allows for better analysis and prediction of motion in engineering applications, such as when calculating forces, designing structures, or modeling dynamic systems.