What is the unit of acceleration?

Prepare for the ATPL Mass And Balance Test. Access flashcards and detailed multiple choice questions with hints. Boost your exam readiness!

The unit of acceleration is meters per second squared (m/sec²). This unit measures how much the velocity of an object changes over time. Specifically, it indicates that for each second that passes, the speed of the object changes by a certain number of meters per second. This is derived from Newton's second law of motion, which states that force equals mass times acceleration. When discussing acceleration, the metric system expresses it as a change in velocity (meters per second) occurring over a time period (seconds), hence the squared term.

In contrast, the other units presented are measurements for different physical quantities. Kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) is a unit of density, which measures mass per volume. Meters per second is a unit of velocity, referring to how far an object travels in a given time. Pascal (Pa) is the unit of pressure, which measures force applied per unit area. Each of these units serves a distinct purpose in physics, highlighting the importance of using the correct unit for each specific physical quantity being described.

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