In introductory physics, what are the SI units of acceleration?

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

Answer: (B)

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) with respect to time (measured in seconds, s), so its unit is meters per second, \(\frac{m}{s}\).
3. Since acceleration is the change in velocity per unit time, its unit is velocity divided by time, which can be written as \(\frac{\frac{m}{s}}{s}\).
4. Simplify the expression \(\frac{\frac{m}{s}}{s}\) by multiplying the denominator: \(\frac{m}{s \times s} = \frac{m}{s^{2}}\).
5. Therefore, the SI unit of acceleration is meters per second squared, represented as \(\frac{m}{s^{2}}\).