Negative Acceleration: Definition, Formula, and Daily Life Examples

Negative acceleration, also known as deceleration or retardation, occurs when an object’s velocity decreases over time. It is the rate at which the speed or direction of an object changes in a negative direction.
The formula for acceleration (a) is given by the change in velocity (Δv) divided by the change in time (Δt):

a=Δv​/Δt

Real Life Examples of Negative Acceleration

• When a car applies brakes to slow down, it experiences negative acceleration.
• When a cyclist gradually applies brakes to come to a stop, the bicycle undergoes negative acceleration.
• When a person on a swing gradually slows down by dragging their feet, it demonstrates negative acceleration.
• When a lift or elevator slows down while descending, it undergoes negative acceleration.
• In projectile motion, when an object falls downward under gravity, it experiences negative acceleration until it reaches the ground.
• During the landing phase of an airplane, it decelerates in the forward direction, experiencing negative acceleration.
• When a pendulum is slowed down by external forces, it exhibits negative acceleration.
• If an object is thrown upward and starts to slow down due to gravity, it experiences negative acceleration.
• A ball rolling uphill experiences negative acceleration as it slows down against the force of gravity.
• When a boat slows down in the water, moving from a higher speed to a lower speed, it undergoes negative acceleration.