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

• A. Velocity
• B. Acceleration
• C. Displacement
• D. Jerk (rate of change of acceleration)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions of the given quantities: Velocity is the rate of change of displacement with respect to time, displacement is the change in position, acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with respect to time, and jerk is the rate of change of acceleration with respect to time.
2. Recall the fundamental kinematic relationship that acceleration is defined as how quickly velocity changes over time.
3. Express acceleration mathematically as \( a = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t} \), where \(\Delta v\) is the change in velocity and \(\Delta t\) is the change in time.
4. Recognize that since acceleration measures the rate of change of velocity, it directly answers the question about which quantity describes how velocity changes with time.
5. Conclude that among the options given, acceleration is the correct quantity defined as the rate at which velocity changes with time.