Can rapid acceleration have momentum?

In summary, a top fuel dragster is capable of accelerating from 0 to 300mph in 4 seconds. In both scenarios, when the fuel delivery to the engine is cut, the dragster's speed will immediately decrease. This is because without fuel, the engine cannot exert any force on the wheels, and friction forces will slow it down. The fact that the dragster in Scenario 2 had a period of acceleration before deceleration does not change the overall physics of the situation. As long as no net external force is acting on it, an object will maintain its momentum.
  • #1
BillyJohnson1992
1
0
A top fuel dragster can accelerate from 0 to 300mph in 4 seconds.

Scenario 1: Top fuel dragster is driving at a constant speed of 300mph. Driver cuts the fuel delivery to the engine. The speed will immediately decrease.

Scenario 2: Top fuel dragster is accelerating violently, at the 1 second mark the speed is already 100mph and going up at a dramatic pace. Driver cuts the fuel delivery to the engine. Will the speed immediately decrease?

Help! :confused:
 
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  • #2
Yes, it will slow down at the moment the engine does not deliver force on the wheels anymore, and if it gets no fuel the engine cannot exert any force.

Momentum is velocity times mass. An object will keep the same momentum as long as no force is acting on it. There are different kinds of friction forces acting on the dragster and when it is speeding up (and its momentum is increasing) the force between the wheels and the ground is larger than the friction forces (air friction, friction in parts of engine and bearings). Those friction forces will slow the dragster down when there is no forward force.
 
  • #3
Scenario 1: Top fuel dragster is driving at a constant speed of 300mph. Driver cuts the fuel delivery to the engine. The speed will immediately decrease.

Scenario 2: Top fuel dragster is accelerating violently, at the 1 second mark the speed is already 100mph and going up at a dramatic pace. Driver cuts the fuel delivery to the engine. Will the speed immediately decrease?

The fact that the dragster in Scenario 2 had a period of acceleration before it's period of deceleration doesn't change the physics of the situation. The velocities decrease at the same rate if all other factors are held constant.
 
  • #4
An object will keep the same momentum as long as no force is acting on it.

... as long as no net external force is acting on it.
 

1. What is rapid acceleration?

Rapid acceleration is the increase in velocity of an object over a short period of time. It is typically measured in meters per second squared (m/s^2).

2. Can rapid acceleration have momentum?

Yes, rapid acceleration can have momentum. Momentum is the product of an object's mass and velocity, and as an object accelerates, its velocity increases, thus increasing its momentum.

3. How is momentum affected by rapid acceleration?

The momentum of an object is directly proportional to its velocity. This means that as an object accelerates, its momentum also increases. However, if the mass of the object remains constant, the momentum will be directly proportional to the acceleration as well.

4. Is rapid acceleration always beneficial?

Not necessarily. Rapid acceleration can have both positive and negative effects depending on the situation. For example, in a car, rapid acceleration can help it reach a desired speed quickly, but it can also cause discomfort for passengers and put strain on the engine.

5. What factors can affect the momentum of an object undergoing rapid acceleration?

The momentum of an object undergoing rapid acceleration can be affected by its mass, velocity, and the duration of the acceleration. Additionally, external forces such as friction and air resistance can also impact the momentum of the object.

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