A little question I want to ask

Sundown444 · Dec 14, 2014

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. · Dec 14, 2014

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?

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 · Dec 14, 2014

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.

So, the direction of acceleration due to gravity stays downward while the velocity's direction changes? If you don't mind me asking, can you please give me another example?

A.T. · Dec 14, 2014

Sundown444 said: ↑

can you please give me another example?

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 · Dec 14, 2014

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.

Okay then. What about the case of a centripetal acceleration at constant speed? Do both the direction of the velocity and acceleration change?

A.T. · Dec 14, 2014

Sundown444 said: ↑

What about the case of a centripetal acceleration at constant speed? Do both the direction of the velocity and acceleration change?

Yes

Sundown444 · Dec 14, 2014

Okay then. Thanks!