In introductory kinematics, acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity. Acceleration depends on which two factors?

• A. Mass and net force
• B. Displacement and time interval
• C. Change in velocity and the time interval over which the change occurs
• D. Velocity and displacement

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the definition of acceleration in kinematics: acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes with respect to time.
2. Express acceleration mathematically as \(a = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}\), where \(\Delta v\) is the change in velocity and \(\Delta t\) is the time interval over which this change occurs.
3. Understand that acceleration depends directly on how much the velocity changes (the numerator) and inversely on the time taken for that change (the denominator).
4. Recognize that other options like mass and net force relate to Newton's second law, not the definition of acceleration itself.
5. Conclude that the two factors acceleration depends on are the change in velocity and the time interval over which the change occurs.