In introductory physics, what is the SI unit for measuring acceleration?

• A. $\frac{m}{s}$
• B. $\frac{s}{m^2}$
• C. $\frac{m}{s^2}$
• D. $N$

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity with respect to time.
2. Velocity itself is the rate of change of displacement (measured in meters, m) over time (measured in seconds, s), so its unit is meters per second (\(m/s\)).
3. Since acceleration is the change in velocity per unit time, its unit is velocity divided by time, which is \(\frac{m/s}{s}\).
4. Simplify the unit expression \(\frac{m/s}{s}\) to \(\frac{m}{s^2}\), which means meters per second squared.
5. Therefore, the SI unit for acceleration is \(\frac{m}{s^2}\).