Constant speed and acceleration.

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between constant speed and acceleration, particularly in the context of objects moving along curved paths versus straight paths. Participants explore the definitions of speed and velocity, the nature of acceleration, and the implications for motion along different trajectories.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how an object can have acceleration while moving at constant speed, suggesting a scenario with two objects moving the same distance, one in a straight line and the other in a curved path.
  • Another participant challenges the assertion that acceleration means an object will reach the end faster than one moving at constant velocity, indicating that this is not universally true.
  • A participant clarifies that speed is a scalar quantity, while velocity is a vector quantity that includes direction, implying that an object can have a high speed but a zero average velocity if it moves in a loop.
  • It is noted that acceleration involves a change in velocity, which can occur through changes in speed or direction, with an example of circular motion where an object accelerates by changing direction despite having constant linear speed.
  • The initial question is reiterated, emphasizing the confusion about the comparison of two objects on different paths, with a participant pointing out that a curved path cannot be considered the same as a straight path.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between acceleration and speed, with no consensus reached on the implications of these concepts in the context of the original question regarding motion along different paths.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of speed and velocity, as well as the conditions under which acceleration is discussed. The comparison of objects on different paths raises questions about the nature of their trajectories and the implications for their motion.

alyafey22
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
1,556
Reaction score
2
As we know that an object can move with constant speed and accelerate this can be expressed with an object moving along a curved path with constant speed ,hence it has an acceleration ...
my question is how an object can have an acceleration and at the same time is moving with constant speed ?
As I know that acceleration means that an object will reach the end faster than an object moving with constant velocity, let us assume that two objects are moving in the same path with the same distance but one in a straight line and the second in a curved line Will the first object reach the end of the path faster ??
 
Physics news on Phys.org
alyafey22 said:
As I know that acceleration means that an object will reach the end faster than an object moving with constant velocity
This is not true in general.
 
I think you can answer your own question if you remember that speed is a scalar quantity: distance traveled per second (in any direction) whilst Velocity is a vector quantity and the direction is also involved. You can go very fast in a loop and your average velocity can be zero. etc etc.
 
Acceleration is a change in velocity. Velocity is a vector, so you change either the speed which is the magnitude of the vector, or you change the direction. An object in a circular orbit for example is accelerating because it is always changing direction even though it's linear speed is constant.
 
As I know that acceleration means that an object will reach the end faster than an object moving with constant velocity, let us assume that two objects are moving in the same path with the same distance but one in a straight line and the second in a curved line Will the first object reach the end of the path faster ??

If one is following a curved path then it cannot be in the same path as the other object.
 

Similar threads

High School Does acceleration affect impact energy vs constant velocity?
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
4K
High School Why is speed constant when centripetal acceleration is constant?
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
High School How Does Constant Power Affect Rocket Acceleration in Space?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Undergrad Find the constant acceleration of an object that slows down to a standstill
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Undergrad Acceleration through curved paths
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
5K
High School Acceleration of an Object Moving in Circular Path
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Undergrad Why Does Friction Provide Centripetal Acceleration in Circular Motion?
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
5K
High School Fundamental Problems With Exam Question: Moving Truck & Acceleration
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
High School Understanding F=ma: Constant Speed & Acceleration
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Trajectory collision calculation
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K