In introductory kinematics, a particle’s acceleration vector is $\overrightarrow{a}$ with components $a_x$, $a_y$, and $a_z$. How do you find the magnitude of the acceleration?

• A. $\left|\overrightarrow{a}\right|=\frac{dv}{da}$
• B. $\left|\overrightarrow{a}\right|=a_x+a_y+a_z$
• C. $\left|\overrightarrow{a}\right|=\sqrt{a_x+a_y+a_z}$
• D. $\left|\overrightarrow{a}\right|=\sqrt{{a_x}^2+{a_y}^2+{a_z}^2}$

Answer: (D)