Unit of Acceleration Explained

Acceleration is defined as the rate at which an object's velocity changes over time.

Mathematically, acceleration ($a$) is expressed as:

$ a = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t} $

Where:

• $Δv$ represents the change in velocity (unit: distance/time, e.g., m/s).
• $Δt$ represents the change in time (unit: s).

Therefore, the unit of acceleration is the unit of velocity divided by the unit of time.

Evaluating Measurement Units

Let's analyze the given options:

• m/s/s
  : This can be rewritten as $\frac{\text{m/s}}{\text{s}}$, which simplifies to $\frac{\text{m}}{\text{s}^2}$ (meters per second squared). This matches the derived unit for acceleration.
• ft/s
  : This represents feet per second, which is a unit of velocity (speed).
• m/s
  : This represents meters per second, which is also a unit of velocity.
• sqm/s
  : This means square meters per second ($\text{m}^2/\text{s}$). This unit does not represent acceleration.

Based on the analysis, m/s/s is the correct unit of acceleration.