Why Does the Acceleration of a Particle Need to Be Zero for Maximum Speed?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conditions for maximum speed of a particle P moving along the x-axis, defined by the velocity function V={8t-3/2t²} for the interval 0≤t≤4 and V={16-2t} for t>4. It is established that the acceleration must equal zero at the point of maximum velocity within the interval 0≤t≤4. This is visually supported by plotting the velocity versus time curve, which reveals that the maximum velocity occurs at the vertex of the downward-opening parabola, where the slope (acceleration) is zero.

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Roadtrip
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A particle P moves on the x-axis. At time t seconds the velocity of P is V m/s in the direction of x increasing?o
V is given by V={8t-3/2t²} for 0≤t≤4
Also V={16-2t} for t>4

Why does the acceleration have to equal zero to get the greatest speed of P in interval 0≤t≤4
 
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This is probably best understood by plotting the velocity. Look at the maximum, and see what the slope is visually.
 
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Roadtrip, post: 5499325, member: 596960"]A particle P moves on the x-axis. At time t seconds the velocity of P is V m/s in the direction of x increasing?o
V is given by V={8t-3/2t²} for 0≤t≤4
Also V={16-2t} for t>4

Why does the acceleration have to equal zero to get the greatest speed of P in interval 0≤t≤4
Plot v-t curve for t<4.It would be a parabola open downward.Velocity is maximum at maxima of the curve.Maybe now you can understand why acceleration would be zero.
 
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