If the rate of continental drift were to abruptly slow from 1.0 cm/y to 0.5 cm/y over the time interval of a year, what would be the average acceleration?

To find the average acceleration, we need to determine the change in velocity and the time interval. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time.

In this case, the rate of continental drift is slowing from 1.0 cm/y to 0.5 cm/y. The change in velocity can be calculated by subtracting the initial velocity from the final velocity. Thus, the change in velocity is (0.5 cm/y - 1.0 cm/y) = -0.5 cm/y.

The time interval stated in the problem is one year.

Now we can calculate the average acceleration using the formula:

Average acceleration = change in velocity / time interval

Substituting the values:

Average acceleration = (-0.5 cm/y) / (1 year)

The units of acceleration will be in cm/y².

Therefore, the average acceleration would be -0.5 cm/y².