In physics, what is the term for the rate of change of velocity?

The rate of change of velocity is known as acceleration. This concept is fundamental in physics and describes how quickly an object's velocity changes over time. Velocity itself is a vector quantity; it has both magnitude and direction. When the velocity of an object changes—whether increasing, decreasing, or changing direction—acceleration is what quantifies that change.

For example, if a car speeds up from 20 meters per second to 60 meters per second, it is experiencing acceleration. Similarly, if the car slows down or turns, those changes in its velocity are also examples of acceleration.

Understanding acceleration is crucial because it provides insight into how objects move and interact with forces in various scenarios, making it a key component of classical mechanics.