Qualitatively Analyzing Non Uniform Acceleration

From Constant to Changing Acceleration

Previously, we analyzed motion with constant acceleration in each stage. On an acceleration versus time graph, constant acceleration appears as a horizontal line.

But what if acceleration itself changes over time?

Non-uniform acceleration occurs when acceleration varies continuously with time, rather than remaining constant.

Identifying Non-Uniform Acceleration

On an acceleration versus time graph, we identify acceleration as:

Uniform (constant): The graph is a horizontal line, the acceleration does not change.

Non-uniform (changing): The graph has any non-horizontal feature—a sloped line or a curve. This indicates that $a(t)$ varies with time.