Which description correctly defines linear acceleration?

Which description correctly defines linear acceleration?

• A. Change in speed without a change in direction
• B. Change in direction without a change in speed
• C. Change in both speed and direction
• D. Constant velocity

Answer: (A)

Linear acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes along a straight path. When an object's speed changes while its direction stays fixed, the velocity changes in magnitude only, which is linear acceleration. If the direction changes without a change in speed, you still have acceleration, but it's not linear (it's centripetal, associated with turning). If both speed and direction change, you have both tangential and normal components of acceleration. Constant velocity means no acceleration at all. So the description that matches linear acceleration is the change in speed without a change in direction.

Linear acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes along a straight path. When an object's speed changes while its direction stays fixed, the velocity changes in magnitude only, which is linear acceleration. If the direction changes without a change in speed, you still have acceleration, but it's not linear (it's centripetal, associated with turning). If both speed and direction change, you have both tangential and normal components of acceleration. Constant velocity means no acceleration at all. So the description that matches linear acceleration is the change in speed without a change in direction.