Velocity and acceleration on a track

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the concepts of velocity and acceleration as a runner moves around a track with constant speed. It is established that the runner's velocity is largest at point B due to the combination of x and y vector components. Acceleration is greatest at the most curved sections of the track, as it is directly related to changes in direction, not speed. The distinction between speed and velocity is clarified, emphasizing that velocity includes both magnitude and direction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts: velocity and acceleration
  • Familiarity with vector components in motion
  • Knowledge of circular motion and curvature effects
  • Basic grasp of kinematics equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of circular motion and centripetal acceleration
  • Learn about vector decomposition in physics
  • Explore kinematic equations related to motion in curves
  • Investigate the relationship between speed, velocity, and acceleration in different contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in understanding motion dynamics on curved paths.

mwhowell
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Homework Statement

A runner runs with a constant speed around the track.

a) at which of the points is the runner's velocity the largest? Explain.

b) at which point is the runner's acceleration the largest? Explain.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I believe the runner has the highest velocity and acceleration at B because he is covering the most ground in the x and y vectors but I am not sure. Can anyone explain this to me?
 

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a) there's really no difference between "the speed is larger" and "the velocity is larger". The speed is constant, so this question makes no sense.

b) The acceleration is largest where the track is the most curved
 
velocity has a vector and magnitude so there has to be a difference and what is the reason the acceleration is greater in the curve? can you supply an explanation for that?
 
mwhowell said:
velocity has a vector and magnitude so there has to be a difference and what is the reason the acceleration is greater in the curve? can you supply an explanation for that?

You should attempt this part yourself. Otherwise you will have had no input in the question.
 
the reason i am asking is because i got the question wrong already
 

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