Understanding Motion Diagrams: Negative vs. Positive Acceleration

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nitrate
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Diagram Motion
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on understanding motion diagrams, specifically differentiating between negative and positive acceleration. Diagram A represents negative acceleration, while Diagram B illustrates positive acceleration. It is clarified that acceleration is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction, and negative acceleration does not necessarily indicate slowing down. There is a question about whether flipping Diagram B would still convey the same information. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of direction in interpreting acceleration in motion diagrams.
Nitrate
Messages
75
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The problem is in the attached image


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I understand that the diagram of A is displaying negative acceleration and the diagram of B is displaying positive acceleration. However, I am struggling to find an answer for the question. I'm also wondering if the diagram of B can be flipped around and still represent the same thing. I am admittedly not the best physics student and any help is appreciated. Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
attached image (as i forgot to post it in the previous post)
 

Attachments

  • physics.png
    physics.png
    48.6 KB · Views: 491
Nitrate said:
diagram of B is displaying positive acceleration.
Acceleration is a vector, it has direction. negative acceleration is not the same as slowing down.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Thread 'Egg Drop Challenge! Need ideas for winning designs'

I was thinking using 2 purple mattress samples, and taping them together, I do want other ideas though, the main guidelines are; Must have a volume LESS than 1600 cubic centimeters, and CAN'T exceed 25 cm in ANY direction. Must be LESS than 1 kg. NO parachutes. NO glue or Tape can touch the egg. MUST be able to take egg out in less than 1 minute. Grade A large eggs will be used.
View full post »

Similar threads

Confusion over acceleration of gravity as positive/negative
Replies
10
Views
1K
Relation between Friction, Velocity, and Acceleration
Replies
16
Views
978
Interpretation of Negative Time in Minkowski Diagram
Replies
1
Views
759
Problem with pulleys - two fixed and one movable
Replies
22
Views
365
Why would this be accelerating positively?
Replies
6
Views
960
Center of mass and momentum- A question about systems
Replies
25
Views
1K
Working out the accelerations in a double Atwood pulley system
Replies
22
Views
1K
When is the acceleration due to gravity negative and when is it positive?
Replies
13
Views
5K
How Does Torque Affect the Motion of a Disc Pulled Across a Table?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Mechanics: Elevator Accelerating Downward
Replies
10
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top