What Surprising Features Act as Accelerators in Your Car?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying various "accelerators" in a car, focusing on how they influence the vehicle's speed and direction. Participants explore the concept of acceleration in the context of automotive controls.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of accelerators, with some suggesting that any control affecting velocity qualifies. Questions arise about whether the engine itself is considered an accelerator.

Discussion Status

Some participants have identified the gas pedal, brake, and steering wheel as accelerators, while others note additional factors like the impact of electrical accessories and aerodynamics. The conversation reflects a mix of interpretations and clarifications without reaching a definitive consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the ambiguity of the term "accelerator" and its application to various car components, with some expressing confusion about the requirements of the question.

justinbaker
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Any help would be great,
How many "accelerators" are in your car? There are at least 3 that can be used to accelerate the car. What are they, and what accelerations do they produce?



I know this is a simple question, but i am very confused. please help
 
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Think about the concept of acceleration.
 
Think of this way: An accelerator is anything that changes the velocity of the car in any way.
 
still a little confused i guess. i don't really see at least 3 accelerators

is the engine considered one, or am i just way off
 
The question is asking for a list of the controls inside your car that can change the car's speed or direction (which, together, are called velocity).

- Warren
 
ok i see so are they gas pedal which produces positive a
brake which produces a negative a
and the steering wheel since it produces centripetal acceleration
 
what ya'll think?
 
You got it.

- Warren
 
Depending on how picky your teacher is, there are a lot of other "accelerators" in your car. Your air condititioner robs power from the engine when you turn it on. This slows down your car until you apply more gas from the gas pedel. To a much lesser extent, every electrical accessory does the same. It's small and unnoticable, but turning on your headlights, or even increasing the volume on your stereo increases the load on your alternator, which increases the load on your engine and slows you down, but its very insignificant. Also, rolling down the windows makes your car less aerodynamic, which slows it down. And of course the transmission can be shifted into a different gear and cause your car to change velocity.

I imagine accelerator, brake and steering wheel are the answers they're looking for.
 

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