The discussion clarifies the distinction between changing the direction of velocity and changing the direction of acceleration in physics. When a ball is thrown upwards, the velocity's direction changes at the peak of its trajectory, while the acceleration due to gravity remains directed downward. Additionally, when a driver shifts from accelerating to braking, the velocity remains constant, but the acceleration direction alters. In the case of centripetal acceleration at constant speed, both velocity and acceleration directions change, as the object moves in a circular path.
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When you throw a ball upwards, then at the top of the trajectory the direction of velocity changes, but the direction of the acceleration stays the same.Sundown444 said:Just to make sure, what is the difference between changing the direction of velocity and changing the direction of acceleration? Can anyone answer, please?
A.T. said:When you throw a ball upwards, then at the top of the trajectory the direction of velocity changes, but the direction of the acceleration stays the same.
If you go from pushing the accelerator pedal to pushing the brake pedal, the direction of the car's velocity doesn't change, but the direction of the car's acceleration changes.Sundown444 said:can you please give me another example?
A.T. said:If you go from pushing the accelerator pedal to pushing the brake pedal, the direction of the car's velocity doesn't change, but the direction of the car's acceleration changes.
YesSundown444 said:What about the case of a centripetal acceleration at constant speed? Do both the direction of the velocity and acceleration change?