Is Maximum Velocity Always Indicative of Maximum Acceleration?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the difference between velocity and speed, and how an object's acceleration is affected by its maximum velocity. The speaker also provides examples, such as a car race and an ion space drive, to illustrate these concepts. It is clarified that an object at its maximum velocity is not accelerating, and the term "maximum" does not apply to direction in this context.
  • #1
rafael_josem
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Hi, I want to know that, the fact that an object reaches its max velocity, does it mean that has reached its max aceleration??

This is my argument:

No, because in a car race, the one that is in first place doesn't mean that it has the higher aceleration...

is it correct??...

thanks...
 
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  • #2
I think to start with that you are using the term 'velocity' when you in fact mean 'speed'. Since velocity is a vector measurement, there isn't really a 'maximum'. The Earth, for instance, is continuously accelerating around the sun, but its speed remains constant. Only the direction changes.
As for the cars, the one that can maintain acceleration (of the speed component) will win given enough distance. In a short race, the one that accelerates at the greatest rate (given simultaneous launch times) will win. As an example of that, an ion space drive could never come close to the acceleration of a hydrogen/LOX rocket, but its top speed will be far higher by the time it gets well on its way.
 
  • #3
if an object is at its max velocity and is staying there wat is its acceleration?
 
  • #4
If it's at maximum speed in a straight line (again, there is no such thing as a maximum direction), then it isn't accelerating at all. Delta v = 0.
 
  • #5
Hey, thanks a lot! nou it is much more clear for me!
 

What is the difference between acceleration and velocity?

Acceleration is the rate at which an object's velocity changes over time, while velocity is the rate at which an object's position changes over time.

How are acceleration and velocity related?

Acceleration and velocity are related through the equation v = u + at, where v is the final velocity, u is the initial velocity, a is the acceleration, and t is the time.

What is the unit of measurement for acceleration and velocity?

The unit of measurement for acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s²), while the unit for velocity is meters per second (m/s).

What is a positive acceleration?

A positive acceleration means that an object is increasing in velocity, either speeding up or moving in the positive direction.

What is a negative velocity?

A negative velocity means that an object is moving in the opposite direction of the positive direction, often represented by a negative sign in front of the value.

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