1. What Is Vertical Acceleration?

Vertical acceleration refers to the rate of change of velocity in the vertical direction. In most physics problems near Earth's surface, this is equal to the acceleration due to gravity (g), typically -9.8 m/s² (negative indicating downward direction).

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the vertical acceleration formula:

Where:

• \( a_y \) — Vertical acceleration (m/s²)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)

Explanation: For objects in free fall near Earth's surface (ignoring air resistance), the vertical acceleration is constant and equal to the gravitational acceleration.

3. Importance Of Vertical Acceleration Calculation

Details: Calculating vertical acceleration is fundamental in physics for analyzing projectile motion, free fall problems, and understanding the behavior of objects under Earth's gravitational field.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the gravitational acceleration value (default is Earth's gravity: 9.8 m/s²). For other planets or celestial bodies, use the appropriate gravitational acceleration value.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is vertical acceleration negative?
A: The negative sign indicates direction. By convention, upward is positive, so gravity's downward pull is represented as negative acceleration.

Q2: Does vertical acceleration change with height?
A: For small height changes near Earth's surface, it's considered constant. At significant altitudes, gravitational acceleration decreases slightly.

Q3: Is vertical acceleration always equal to g?
A: Only for objects in free fall without air resistance. With air resistance or other forces, vertical acceleration differs from g.

Q4: How does vertical acceleration affect projectile motion?
A: Constant vertical acceleration causes the parabolic trajectory characteristic of projectile motion.

Q5: What's the difference between acceleration and velocity?
A: Velocity is the rate of change of position, while acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.