Which term describes the rate of change of velocity?

The correct term that describes the rate of change of velocity is acceleration. Acceleration is a fundamental concept in physics that quantifies how quickly an object's velocity changes over time. It can occur either by increasing or decreasing the speed of an object, or by changing its direction.

For instance, when a car speeds up from a stop, it is experiencing positive acceleration. Conversely, when it slows down, it undergoes negative acceleration, often referred to as deceleration. This highlights that acceleration encompasses a broader range of changes in motion, not just increases in speed.

Deceleration specifically refers to a decrease in velocity, which is a type of acceleration but doesn’t represent the concept in its entirety. Momentum is a measure of an object’s mass and velocity but does not provide information about how these quantities change. Speed refers only to how fast an object is moving, without considering the direction or any changes over time. Therefore, acceleration is the most comprehensive and accurate term for the rate of change of velocity.