Instantaneous Velocity statement

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept that instantaneous velocity can equal zero while acceleration remains non-zero. This is exemplified through the scenario of a decelerating object, where the acceleration acts to reduce the speed until it reaches zero, at which point the object begins to accelerate in the opposite direction. The key takeaway is that a non-zero acceleration can occur even when an object's instantaneous velocity is zero, as demonstrated by the transition from forward motion to backward motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic kinematics concepts, including velocity and acceleration.
  • Familiarity with vector representation of motion.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between speed, velocity, and acceleration.
  • Basic grasp of the principles of deceleration and direction change in motion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of instantaneous velocity in detail, focusing on its mathematical definition.
  • Explore the relationship between acceleration and velocity through graphical representations.
  • Learn about the implications of negative acceleration and its effects on motion.
  • Investigate real-world examples of motion where instantaneous velocity is zero but acceleration is present, such as free-fall scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of motion and acceleration.

Joe26
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Homework Statement


"If instantaneous velocity = 0, it is possible to have a non-zero acceleration."

Why is this true? I'm having a hard time understanding this.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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What causes objects to move?
 
Hey Joe! I believe that this question should not quite be in the Homework questions but I may be wrong anyway, although my answer will be just like it would if it was there. You're going to have to picture a moving body that is decelerating, which means that |a|=/= 0 and so it's speed its decreasing, meaning that the length of the velocity vector is getting smaller and smaller. At some point velocity becomes 0, and that is the point where the acceleration pushes the body to go backwards and stops it momentarily, and after that moment the body is moving backwards with increasing speed. The velocity vector now is counter to what it was before, with increasing length.
 

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