Accelration Help: Questions Answered

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SUMMARY

This discussion addresses key concepts of acceleration and velocity in physics, specifically focusing on the relationship between acceleration and direction. It clarifies that acceleration can be positive even when an object is slowing down, as seen in the context of a velocity-time graph. The conversation highlights two scenarios: Graph A, which depicts positive velocity and positive acceleration, and Graph B, which shows positive velocity with negative acceleration, emphasizing the importance of understanding acceleration as a vector quantity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly acceleration and velocity.
  • Familiarity with vector quantities and their properties.
  • Knowledge of interpreting velocity-time graphs.
  • Concept of positive and negative acceleration in motion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of vector analysis in physics.
  • Learn how to interpret and analyze velocity-time graphs in detail.
  • Explore the concept of acceleration in different motion scenarios.
  • Investigate the implications of positive and negative acceleration on object motion.
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Students of physics, educators teaching motion concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of acceleration and velocity in various contexts.

NIZBIT
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Just a couple of questions I'm banging my head on. Any help would be great!

1. Does your accelration have to be negative when you are slowing down?

If I started in a negative direction back towards my initial frame of reference,
acceleration would be positive? But isn't that still speeding up?

2. It is a velocity time graph. I'll explain the best I can. It wants to know which is accelrating faster. It is showing 2 graphs. Graph A is a positive velocity with a positive acceleration and it has a small slope so all of this is slowly happening. Graph B is positive velocity with a negative accelration and the slope is larger so it is quickly happening.

So when they ask this does it matter if its acclerating or deaccelerating?
 
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1. Think of acceleration as a vector. Does a vector have to be negative?

2. Acceleration is the rate of change of speed with respect to time so when it asks which is accelerating faster do you think it should matter if it is accelerating or decellerating?
 
So I could have a negative velocity with a positive accelration hence slowing down?
 
I think you've hit the nail on the head.
 

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