The displacement function of a moving object is described by $s ( t ) = t ^ { 2 } + 5 t - 2$ . What is the object's acceleration?
A) 2t + 5
B) 2t
C) t
D) 2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The acceleration of an object is the second derivative of its displacement function with respect to time. Differentiating $s(t) = t^2 + 5t - 2$ twice with respect to $t$ gives the acceleration: First derivative (velocity) is $2t + 5$, and the second derivative (acceleration) is $2$.

The Displacement Function of a Moving Object Is Described By s