What does acceleration refer to in the context of physics?

Acceleration in the context of physics specifically pertains to the rate of change of velocity of an object over time. When an object speeds up, slows down, or changes direction, it experiences acceleration. This concept is fundamental in mechanics and describes how quickly an object can change its motion.

While distance traveled does relate to motion, it does not encapsulate the essence of acceleration, which focuses on the change in speed or direction rather than just the distance itself. Constant speed in a straight line implies no acceleration because the velocity remains unchanged. The speed of light, while an important constant in physics, does not relate to the concept of acceleration. Thus, understanding that acceleration is fundamentally about the change in speed and/or velocity clarifies its role and significance in the study of dynamics.