Question

Distinguish between acceleration and retardation.

Answer 1

The increase in the velocity of an object per unit of time is known as acceleration. For example, free-falling stone. The decrease in the velocity of an object per unit of time is known as retardation. For example, the velocity of a vehicle decreases when the brake is applied.

Acceleration can be positive, zero, or negative. Negative acceleration is known as retardation.

The SI unit of both acceleration and retardation are $m/s^2$.