What Is the Formula for the Acceleration of Two Bodies Towards Each Other?

In summary, the formula for acceleration is a = (vf - vi)/t, where a is acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time. To calculate acceleration, you need to know the change in velocity and the time it took to change. The units used to measure acceleration are meters per second squared (m/s²) in the metric system, and feet per second squared (ft/s²) in the imperial system. Average acceleration is the change in velocity over a period of time, while instantaneous acceleration is the acceleration at a specific moment in time. Mass does not directly affect acceleration, but a larger mass will require more force to accelerate at the same rate as a smaller mass, as described by Newton
  • #1
Littlemin5
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Does anyone remember the formula used for finding the acceleration of two bodies towards each other, such as the sun towards the earth?
 
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  • #2
Littlemin5 said:
Does anyone remember the formula used for finding the acceleration of two bodies towards each other, such as the sun towards the earth?

Sure. Force causes acceleration (remember the formula for that?). The force between two masses is another formula that is good to commit to memory. Google gravitational force, and click on the first hit.

Is this for homework? I can move the thread to Homework Help, Intro Physics.
 
  • #3


The formula for acceleration is a = (vf - vi)/t, where a is acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time. However, this formula is used for calculating the acceleration of a single body. To calculate the acceleration of two bodies towards each other, we would need to use the Law of Universal Gravitation, which states that the force of gravity between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This formula is F = G(m1m2)/r^2, where F is the force of gravity, G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two bodies, and r is the distance between them. From this formula, we can derive the acceleration of two bodies towards each other using Newton's Second Law, which states that force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma). Therefore, the formula for acceleration of two bodies towards each other is a = G(m1m2)/m1r^2. I hope this helps clarify the formula for finding the acceleration of two bodies towards each other, such as the sun towards the earth.
 

FAQ: What Is the Formula for the Acceleration of Two Bodies Towards Each Other?

What is the formula for acceleration?

The formula for acceleration is a = (vf - vi)/t, where a is acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time.

How do you calculate acceleration?

To calculate acceleration, you need to know the change in velocity and the time it took to change. You can use the formula a = (vf - vi)/t, where a is acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time.

What units are used to measure acceleration?

Acceleration is measured in meters per second squared (m/s²) in the metric system, and feet per second squared (ft/s²) in the imperial system.

What is the difference between average acceleration and instantaneous acceleration?

Average acceleration is the change in velocity over a period of time, while instantaneous acceleration is the acceleration at a specific moment in time. In other words, average acceleration is an overall measure, while instantaneous acceleration is a specific measure at a specific point in time.

How does mass affect acceleration?

Mass does not directly affect acceleration. However, a larger mass will require more force to accelerate at the same rate as a smaller mass. This is described by Newton's second law: F = ma, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration.

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