Acceleration/deceleration problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a ball rolled up a ramp with an initial velocity and a specified deceleration. Participants explore the relationship between the forces acting on the ball during its ascent and descent on the ramp.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the forces causing deceleration and question whether the same force applies during descent. There is exploration of the role of gravity and the assumption of no friction affecting the motion.

Discussion Status

Some participants suggest that the acceleration down the ramp should equal the deceleration experienced while going up, based on the assumption that gravity is the primary force at play. There is an acknowledgment of differing interpretations regarding the terminology of deceleration.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of friction in the problem setup, which influences their reasoning about the forces involved. The discussion also reflects on the terminology used in physics, particularly regarding acceleration and deceleration.

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If a ball is rolled up a ramp at initial velocity 12 m/s and decelerates at a rate of 2 m/s2, then does the ball run back down the ramp with an acceleration equal to the deceleration?

The incline is 36 m long and it takes 6 seconds to reach the position where the final velocity is zero.
 
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What would you say? First of all, what is the force that is the cause of the deceleration of the block?
 
Well, its gravity that causes the deccelration up the ramp, so i would think its gravity that causes the acceleration down the ramp too, but I'm not 100% sure(mostly though).
 
Since there is no mention of friction, one must assume that gravity is the only force involved that can cause the deceleration of the ball. Remember, there is one more force, but it only acts normal (perpendicular) to the inclined plane.

So, yes, the acceleration downslope should equal the deceleration upslope.
 
That is indeed correct.

IMO, the exercice was only intended to make you realize that 'deceleration' is only a word for "acceleration that slows down the speed".
 

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