Problem about motion -- vertical projectile motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concepts of vertical projectile motion as described in "Fundamentals of Physics, 10th edn" by Halliday & Resnick. The key points include the distinction between acceleration and velocity during the motion of a cream tangerine thrown upward past windows. It is established that the acceleration due to gravity remains constant at approximately 9.81 m/s², regardless of the tangerine's upward or downward motion. The confusion between changing velocity and constant acceleration is clarified, emphasizing that while velocity varies, acceleration does not.

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  • Understanding of vertical projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with basic kinematics equations
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)
  • Ability to differentiate between acceleration and velocity
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Keith Gellar
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Member advised to use the homework template for posts in the homework sections of PF.
"9. In Fig. 2-22, a cream tangerine is thrown directly upward past three evenly spaced windows of equal heights. Rank the windows according to (a) the average speed of the cream tangerine while passing them, (b) the time the cream tangerine takes to pass them, (c) the magnitude of the acceleration of the cream tangerine while passing them, and (d) the change v in the speed of the cream tangerine during the passage, greatest first." - Fundamentals of Physics, 10th edn, Halliday & Resnick, p. 32
upload_2016-9-22_20-59-3.png

With part (c) - initially I thought the upward acceleration would decrease as the tangerine goes past the windows because it is being acted upon by the force of gravity, but then I felt that the upward acceleration is not changing - it is fixed - and so is the downward acceleration due to gravity. But instead, the velocity is being changed.

Is that correct?

Thank-you! :)
 
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It looks like you are maybe confusing acceleration and velocity. What is the acceleration of an object in free fall? Your initial thought is incorrect. Your second thought is correct.
 
kuruman said:
It looks like you are maybe confusing acceleration and velocity. What is the acceleration of an object in free fall? Your initial thought is incorrect. Your second thought is correct.
Hi Kuruman
Yes i realized that just now - silly me! Thank you for the answer.
 

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