Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

How is acceleration defined?

1. The total distance covered in a given time

2. The rate of change of position

3. The rate of change of an object's velocity

4. The change in speed divided by the distance

The correct answer is: The rate of change of an object's velocity

Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of an object's velocity over time. This means it reflects how quickly an object is speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction. When an object accelerates, it adjusts its speed or direction, resulting in a change in its velocity. This concept is fundamental in physics because it relates to Newton's laws of motion, which describe how forces affect motion. In context, while options relating to distance and position describe aspects of motion, they do not accurately capture the specific meaning of acceleration. The total distance covered, for instance, measures the length traveled regardless of time taken, whereas the rate of change of position pertains to velocity itself rather than the change in that velocity. The idea of change in speed divided by distance also does not properly define acceleration, as acceleration is distinctly focused on time rather than distance traveled.