Juggling Concept: Equal Accelerations, Opposite Velocities | Quick Question"

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics of juggling, specifically focusing on the motion of two balls thrown to the same height. Participants explore the relationship between their velocities and accelerations at various points in their trajectories.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the nature of acceleration and velocity for the two balls, questioning how the choice of positive direction affects the sign of acceleration. They also consider whether the accelerations are always equal and how velocities relate at different points in the motion.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants confirming that the accelerations are equal and discussing the implications of direction choice on the sign of acceleration. There is an exploration of different interpretations regarding the definitions of positive and negative directions in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of choosing different reference directions for acceleration, which may affect their understanding of the problem. The discussion does not resolve the question of how to consistently define these directions.

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A juggler throws two balls to the same height so that one is at the halfway point going up when the other is at the halfway point coming down. At that point:

Their accelerations are equal but their velocities are equal and opposite.

Right?
 
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Right.

Their accelerations are always g.

It doesn't matter what point you choose, whether half-way point, or no. The upward velocity will always be equal and opposite the downwards velocity.
 
but will the acceleration be -g at any point?
 
It alll depends upon which direction you call the positive direction.

g always acts downwards.

If you choose downwards as the +ve direction, then g will be taken as +ve, +g. And the acceleration will be +g at all points.

If you choose upwards as the +ve direction, then g will be taken as -ve, -g. And this time the acceleration will be -g at all points.
 

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