What is the term for negative acceleration when the velocity of an object decreases over time?

What is the term for negative acceleration when the velocity of an object decreases over time?

• A. Retardation
• B. Acceleration
• C. Deceleration
• D. Negative velocity

Answer: (A)

The term for negative acceleration when the velocity of an object decreases over time is commonly referred to as "deceleration." In physics, acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity. If this change results in a reduction of speed, it indicates a negative acceleration, or deceleration. While "retardation" can be used in some contexts to describe this phenomenon, the most widely accepted term is "deceleration." It underscores the idea that the object is slowing down, which is central to understanding how forces act on moving bodies. Understanding these concepts is important, as they help clarify the actions of objects under various forces, as well as the distinction between positive and negative acceleration in real-world scenarios. Therefore, while "retardation" might align with the concept, "deceleration" more accurately reflects the common terminology used in physics to denote the process of an object reducing its speed.

The term for negative acceleration when the velocity of an object decreases over time is commonly referred to as "deceleration." In physics, acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity. If this change results in a reduction of speed, it indicates a negative acceleration, or deceleration.

While "retardation" can be used in some contexts to describe this phenomenon, the most widely accepted term is "deceleration." It underscores the idea that the object is slowing down, which is central to understanding how forces act on moving bodies.

Understanding these concepts is important, as they help clarify the actions of objects under various forces, as well as the distinction between positive and negative acceleration in real-world scenarios. Therefore, while "retardation" might align with the concept, "deceleration" more accurately reflects the common terminology used in physics to denote the process of an object reducing its speed.