In introductory kinematics, which quantity is defined as the rate at which velocity changes with time?

• A. Speed
• B. Displacement
• C. Acceleration
• D. Momentum

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions of the given quantities: Speed is the rate of change of distance with time, Displacement is the change in position, Momentum is the product of mass and velocity.
2. Recall that velocity is a vector quantity representing the rate of change of displacement with time.
3. Acceleration is defined as the rate at which velocity changes with time, mathematically expressed as \(\\vec{a} = \\frac{d\\vec{v}}{dt}\).
4. This means acceleration measures how quickly an object's velocity increases or decreases over time.
5. Therefore, among the options, acceleration is the quantity that fits the definition of the rate of change of velocity with respect to time.