- #1
Initial Velocity and Acceleration: A Curious Conundrum
- Thread starter Miike012
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SUMMARY
The discussion clarifies the relationship between initial velocity and acceleration, specifically addressing the misconception that non-zero acceleration implies non-zero initial velocity. It emphasizes that an object can have an acceleration of 4 m/s² while starting from rest, as illustrated by the example of a ball being dropped, where initial velocity is zero despite the presence of gravitational acceleration. The key takeaway is that acceleration represents the change in velocity over time, and an object must accelerate to begin moving from a stationary position.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically kinematics.
- Familiarity with the definitions of velocity and acceleration.
- Knowledge of graph interpretation, particularly velocity and acceleration graphs.
- Basic comprehension of Newton's laws of motion.
- Study the principles of kinematics in one dimension.
- Learn about the graphical representation of motion, focusing on velocity vs. time and acceleration vs. time graphs.
- Explore Newton's second law of motion and its implications for acceleration and force.
- Investigate real-world applications of acceleration in various contexts, such as automotive dynamics.
This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamental principles of motion, particularly those exploring the concepts of velocity and acceleration in kinematics.
- #2
Gordanier
- 10
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Nope.
Lets say you drop a ball from your hand. The acceleration is 9.8m/s^s downward, but when the ball is in your hand it is not moving. (unless of course you are swinging your arm).
So at initial, the very beginning, there is no velocity. Velocity changes due to acceleration.
Lets say you drop a ball from your hand. The acceleration is 9.8m/s^s downward, but when the ball is in your hand it is not moving. (unless of course you are swinging your arm).
So at initial, the very beginning, there is no velocity. Velocity changes due to acceleration.
- #3
Miike012
- 1,009
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I thought this was only true for "free falling" objects...
For example... I posted some graphs...
graph 1 is velocity increasing... then graph 2 is acceleration based off graph 1...
However if velocity had a constant slope say y = 3.. then acc would be zero...
My thoughts where... if initial acceleration is not zero in word problem then initial velocity must not be zero... which i showed in my two graphs...
Obviously I am wrong.. I just need to wrap my mind around it ..
For example... I posted some graphs...
graph 1 is velocity increasing... then graph 2 is acceleration based off graph 1...
However if velocity had a constant slope say y = 3.. then acc would be zero...
My thoughts where... if initial acceleration is not zero in word problem then initial velocity must not be zero... which i showed in my two graphs...
Obviously I am wrong.. I just need to wrap my mind around it ..
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- #4
SteamKing
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Acceleration is a change in velocity during some time interval. In order for any object to begin moving from rest, whatever the direction of travel, the object must undergo acceleration.
When you are in a car stopped at a traffic light, and the car takes off after the light changes, the force you feel pushing you into the seat back is due to the car accelerating away from the traffic light.
When you are in a car stopped at a traffic light, and the car takes off after the light changes, the force you feel pushing you into the seat back is due to the car accelerating away from the traffic light.
- #5
Miike012
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Thank you..
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