alleryStart learning →Deceleration is best defined as which of the following?
AAcceleration opposite in direction to the velocity
BAny acceleration that carries a minus sign
CAcceleration whose magnitude falls with time
DAny acceleration that points towards the left
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Acceleration opposite in direction to the velocity
1. Deceleration always refers to acceleration in the direction opposite to the velocity.
2. Deceleration always reduces speed, whatever coordinate system is chosen.
3. A negative acceleration may or may not be a deceleration, so the sign alone does not decide.
4. A leftward acceleration decelerates a rightward motion but speeds up a leftward one.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 2 "Kinematics", section 2.4 Acceleration_
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