What is the direction of the acceleration ?

In summary, the direction of the acceleration can vary depending on the specific situation, but if we assume a car going around a bend, the direction of the acceleration would be North West on average. However, if we are looking at a specific moment, the direction of the acceleration would be opposite to the direction of the passengers lurching, which starts off as North and gradually changes to West as the car exits the bend.
  • #1
starks.L
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0

Homework Statement



The direction of an object's velocity changes uniformly from east to north. What is the direction of the acceleration ?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



would the acceleration be North East ?
 
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  • #2
Same direction of the velocity -.-
 
  • #3
That's a rather ambiguous question. Let's assume it's a car going around a bend in the road. Then, at any given moment, the direction of the acceleration is opposite to the way all the passengers are lurching, i.e., sideways towards the inside of the bend. That direction starts off being North as you enter the bend, then it's North West at the middle of the bend, then it's West just as you leave the bend. So what they expect for a one-word answer is a mystery to me. If they want the average of the acceleration over that time period, it's North West. I'd flunk the examiner though.
 

1. What is the definition of acceleration?

The definition of acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time. In other words, it is the increase or decrease in an object's speed or direction.

2. How is acceleration different from velocity?

Velocity is a measure of an object's speed and direction, while acceleration is a measure of how quickly an object's velocity changes. Velocity is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction, while acceleration is a scalar quantity, meaning it only has magnitude.

3. What is the difference between positive and negative acceleration?

Positive acceleration occurs when an object's velocity increases over time, while negative acceleration (also known as deceleration) occurs when an object's velocity decreases over time. In both cases, the object is experiencing a change in its velocity.

4. How do you calculate acceleration?

Acceleration can be calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. The formula for acceleration is: a = (vf - vi) / t, where a is acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time.

5. Can acceleration ever be zero?

Yes, acceleration can be zero if an object's velocity remains constant over time. This can occur when an object is moving at a constant speed in a straight line, or when an object is at rest. In these cases, there is no change in velocity, so the acceleration is zero.

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