Acceleration


 * Acceleration **
 * What is acceleration? **
 * __ The Misconception __**

Acceleration means to speed up. Not necessarily. Acceleration is the change in velocity over the change in time.

The following website has some great examples: []

Using this example 10 people, 5 adults and 5 kids, age range was from 8-14 years old, were asked to decide which cars had acceleration.

Everyone guessed the blue car because it was the fastest! This is the wrong answer. If the velocity is constant then there is not any acceleration.

Acceleration was explained and everyone stated they understood. Another question was asked:

If one car was going 60 mph and another was going 40 mph, both cars had constant velocity, which cars had acceleration?

Four out of ten guessed the car going 60 mph had the most acceleration the rest said neither. If the velocity is constant then there is not any acceleration!! Surprising they were all adults, but one!!! When the children were taught the misconception at the time they got it wrong they listened and understood, whereas adults only half listen to the explanation, but still keep their original views.

Acceleration in society has been associated with speed and only speed. This may have to do with life experience, what seems logical, or an easy explanation for something. When you are accelerating in a car many people comment that you are speeding up. This is an easy explanation without giving much thought to what is really happening. Once acceleration is understood it may clear up other misconceptions related to acceleration, such as, force.
 * Why this misconception? **