Acceleration: is this accelerating?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the concept of acceleration as it applies to various scenarios involving motion. The correct answers to the posed questions are that the motorcycle (1), bus (4), car speeding up (5), and car over the hill (6) are all examples of acceleration. In contrast, the helicopter (2) and the jogger (3) do not exhibit acceleration since their velocities remain constant. The key takeaway is that any change in velocity, whether in speed or direction, constitutes acceleration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically Newton's laws of motion.
  • Familiarity with the definition of acceleration in terms of velocity change.
  • Knowledge of different types of motion, including linear and circular motion.
  • Ability to analyze scenarios involving constant speed versus changing speed.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Newton's Second Law of Motion to deepen understanding of acceleration.
  • Explore the concept of centripetal acceleration in circular motion.
  • Learn about kinematic equations that describe motion with constant acceleration.
  • Investigate real-world applications of acceleration in vehicles and machinery.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion and acceleration in everyday scenarios.

emma402
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Which of the following objects is accelerating:

1. A motorcycle rounds a curve without changing speed.
2. A helicopter ascending straight upward without speeding up for slowing down.
3. A person jogging straight south at a constant speed.
4. A bus starts moving after waiting for a stoplight, traveling in a straight line.
5. A car speeds up while driving east along a level road.
6. A car drives at a constant 45mph as it goes over the top of a hill

What I think as solutions...(correct me please if I'm wrong)

1. yes 4.yes
2. no 5.yes
3. no 6.yes
 
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For this all you need to know - as I'm sure you do - is that any change in velocity means there is acceleration.

So yes, each of your answers are correct, in short.
 
those are great questions.
 

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