Acceleration Homework: Solving a Simple Question with Equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding acceleration in a physics context, specifically related to the motion of a cart. The original poster attempts to analyze the acceleration of the cart based on its movement in different scenarios but expresses confusion regarding the distinction between acceleration and velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between acceleration and velocity, with some questioning how to determine the direction of acceleration based on forces acting on the cart. There are attempts to reassess the original answers provided by the poster.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on how to think about the problem in terms of forces and Newton's laws. There is a recognition of the need to clarify the concepts of acceleration and velocity, but no consensus has been reached on the correct answers.

Contextual Notes

There is a time constraint mentioned, as the original poster indicates that the question is due soon. This may be influencing the urgency and pressure in the discussion.

Kingsley
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Homework Statement



prelab.jpg

Homework Equations


acceleration

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried the answer:
BAEBB

1 looks like its accelerating up
2 looks like its accelerating down
3 the acceleration looks like it is 0 (v=0)
4 the acceleration looks like its going back up
5 the acceleration looks like its going up

but it's wrong, what am I doing wrong?
 
Last edited:
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You are confusing acceleration and velocity. All of your answers are for velocity.
 
DaleSpam said:
You are confusing acceleration and velocity. All of your answers are for velocity.

how do i solve it to know which way the acceleration is going
 
Kingsley said:
how do i solve it to know which way the acceleration is going

Think about which way a force is acting on the cart. For example, note that in A the cart is moving upwards, but is there anything actively pushing it that way?

Next think about when the cart changes directions. You can learn from Newton's laws that a force must be applied to change the direction of an object's motion. What can you deduce about the direction of acceleration?
 
I still can't get it I'm thinking about it like aaeba now but it's still wrong in 1 and 2 I think the acceleration would be a because it's both pointing in the negative direction 3 is 0 because it's not moving 4 would be b because it's about to speed up in that direction and 5 is a because it's slowing down

what am I doing wrong?
 
someone please help this question is due in 30 mins
 

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