What type of acceleration occurs when the velocity of a body changes by unequal amounts during equal time intervals?

Master the NCEA Level 3 Physics Mechanics Exam with tailored quiz questions. Study efficiently with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Get prepared for your exam success!

Multiple Choice

What type of acceleration occurs when the velocity of a body changes by unequal amounts during equal time intervals?

Explanation:
When the velocity of a body changes by unequal amounts during equal time intervals, this indicates that the acceleration is not consistent throughout that time period. In such scenarios, the object experiences variations in how quickly it is speeding up or slowing down, meaning that the rate of change of velocity is not the same from one interval to the next. Non-uniform acceleration captures this behavior, as it allows for the possibility of the object accelerating at different rates during different portions of its motion. This can be represented through a velocity-time graph where the slopes are varying, indicating that the rate of change of velocity (acceleration) is not constant. In contrast, uniform acceleration refers to a situation where the change in velocity is the same over equal time intervals, leading to a consistent and linear increase or decrease in speed. Constant acceleration similarly implies that the acceleration is unchanged over time. Instantaneous acceleration represents the acceleration at a specific moment, rather than over a period of time. Therefore, recognizing the nature of how velocity changes leads to the conclusion that the correct description is non-uniform acceleration.

When the velocity of a body changes by unequal amounts during equal time intervals, this indicates that the acceleration is not consistent throughout that time period. In such scenarios, the object experiences variations in how quickly it is speeding up or slowing down, meaning that the rate of change of velocity is not the same from one interval to the next.

Non-uniform acceleration captures this behavior, as it allows for the possibility of the object accelerating at different rates during different portions of its motion. This can be represented through a velocity-time graph where the slopes are varying, indicating that the rate of change of velocity (acceleration) is not constant.

In contrast, uniform acceleration refers to a situation where the change in velocity is the same over equal time intervals, leading to a consistent and linear increase or decrease in speed. Constant acceleration similarly implies that the acceleration is unchanged over time. Instantaneous acceleration represents the acceleration at a specific moment, rather than over a period of time. Therefore, recognizing the nature of how velocity changes leads to the conclusion that the correct description is non-uniform acceleration.

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