What is the Angle Between Acceleration and Velocity Vectors When Speeding Up?

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SUMMARY

The angle between the acceleration vector and the velocity vector of an object speeding up is less than 90 degrees. This occurs because the acceleration vector has a component in the direction of the velocity vector when the object's speed is increasing. In contrast, when an object moves at a constant speed, the acceleration vector remains perpendicular to the velocity vector. This fundamental principle applies to objects moving along an oval track.

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The acceleration vector of an object moving around an oval track with constant speed is always perpendicular to the velocity vector.
Is the angle between the acceleration vector and the velocity vector of an this object when it is speeding up greater or less than 90 degrees?
 
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hannahtuell said:
Is the angle between the acceleration vector and the velocity vector of an this object when it is speeding up greater or less than 90 degrees?
Yes (less than 90 degrees, acceleration vector would have a component in the direction of the velocity vector while speed is increasing).
 
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