What is typically measured by an accelerometer?

An accelerometer is a device that measures the rate of change of velocity or the acceleration of an object. It operates based on the principles of inertia, detecting changes in motion and providing information about how quickly the velocity of an object is changing in specific directions. This is fundamentally connected to Newton's second law of motion, which states that force equals mass times acceleration.

When an accelerometer is subjected to changes in motion, it produces a signal that corresponds to the acceleration experienced, giving valuable data that can be used in various applications, such as mobile phones for screen orientation, automotive systems for stability control, and fitness trackers to monitor activity levels.

Understanding the specific role of an accelerometer helps in comprehending its applications and how its data is utilized in technology today.