Can Velocity Reverse Direction with Constant Acceleration?

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SUMMARY

Velocity can reverse direction while maintaining constant acceleration, as demonstrated by objects in circular motion, such as cars navigating a roundabout or balls swung on strings. When a rock is thrown straight upward, its acceleration at the peak of its trajectory remains constant at approximately 9.8 m/s², consistent with Newton's second law. This acceleration is due to gravity, which acts as the net force on the rock throughout its motion.

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1) Can the velocity of an object reverse direction while maintaining a constant acceleration? Can anyone give me an example of this?

2) What is the acceleration of a rock at the top of its trajectory when thrown straight upward? (Is it consistent with Newton's second law?)

If would really appreciate it if someone could help me out with these questions. Thank you guys for your time.
 
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1) Yes - toss a rock straight up and watch it carefully!

2) It's exactly the same as it is at every other point along its trajectory - ignoring air drag, etc.
 


1) Yes, it is possible for an object to reverse its direction while maintaining a constant acceleration. This can happen when an object is moving in a circular path, such as a car going around a roundabout, or a ball being swung on a string. In these cases, the object's velocity is constantly changing direction, but its acceleration remains constant towards the center of the circle.

2) The acceleration of the rock at the top of its trajectory when thrown straight upward would be equal to the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.8 m/s^2. This is consistent with Newton's second law, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration. In this case, the net force acting on the rock is its weight, which is equal to its mass multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity.
 

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