Question

which of the following best describes acceleration? position of an object; speed in a specific direction; change in speed over time; distance traveled per unit time

Explanation:

Acceleration is defined as the rate at which an object's velocity (which includes speed and direction) changes over time. Among the options, the closest and most accurate description is the change in speed over time (a simplified version of the full velocity-based definition, which aligns with common introductory explanations).

• "Position of an object" describes location, not acceleration.
• "Speed in a specific direction" is the definition of velocity, not acceleration.
• "Distance traveled per unit time" is the definition of speed, not acceleration.

Answer:

Change in speed over time