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A little question I want to ask

  1. Dec 14, 2014 #1

    Sundown444

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    Just to make sure, what is the difference between changing the direction of velocity and changing the direction of acceleration? Can anyone answer, please?
     
    Sundown444, Dec 14, 2014
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  3. Dec 14, 2014 #2

    A.T.

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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.
     
    A.T., Dec 14, 2014
  4. Dec 14, 2014 #3

    Sundown444

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    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?
     
    Sundown444, Dec 14, 2014
  5. Dec 14, 2014 #4

    A.T.

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    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.
     
    A.T., Dec 14, 2014
  6. Dec 14, 2014 #5

    Sundown444

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    Okay then. What about the case of a centripetal acceleration at constant speed? Do both the direction of the velocity and acceleration change?
     
    Sundown444, Dec 14, 2014
  7. Dec 14, 2014 #6

    A.T.

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    Yes
     
    A.T., Dec 14, 2014
  8. Dec 14, 2014 #7

    Sundown444

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    Okay then. Thanks!
     
    Sundown444, Dec 14, 2014
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