Acceleration is defined as what?

Acceleration is defined as the rate of change in velocity, which means it describes how quickly an object is speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction. This definition is rooted in physics, where velocity is a vector quantity that encompasses both speed and direction. When an object's velocity changes—whether that means increasing speed, decreasing speed (deceleration), or changing direction—acceleration occurs.

Understanding acceleration is essential in various applications, including mobility technology and assistive devices, as it can affect how devices respond to user inputs or environmental conditions. The concept reinforces the need to evaluate how rapidly a user might need a device to adapt to changes in movement or speed for safety and effectiveness.

The other options do not accurately capture the definition of acceleration. For example, the change in body position is related to displacement, not necessarily rate or velocity. Speed deviation in direction might suggest changes in motion, but it does not address the overall rate at which velocity changes. Similarly, distance covered over time describes speed rather than acceleration, as it does not take into account changes in velocity or direction.