Relationship between Velocity and Acceleration

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the relationship between velocity and acceleration, emphasizing that both are vector quantities. When a driver applies brakes, the car's velocity decreases, but the direction of acceleration is opposite to that of velocity, indicating deceleration. The example of a lift illustrates that acceleration can occur in a direction different from the current velocity. Therefore, the statement that acceleration is in the same direction as velocity when braking is false.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector quantities in physics
  • Basic knowledge of acceleration and deceleration concepts
  • Familiarity with the principles of motion
  • Ability to perform vector addition and subtraction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of vector addition and subtraction in physics
  • Explore the concepts of acceleration and deceleration in different motion scenarios
  • Learn about the mathematical representation of velocity and acceleration vectors
  • Investigate real-world applications of acceleration in vehicles and lifts
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of motion and the relationship between velocity and acceleration.

Muhammad Danish
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When the driver applies brakes its velocity starts decreasing and direction of acceleration will be same to the direction of velocity.
Is this statement True of False?
Please explain the true concept of this scenario. As far as I understand is that Velocity will start decreasing. But I am confused regarding the ''Direction of Acceleration''.
Thanks.
(REGARDS)
 
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Acceleration means which direction or axis is the car increasing in velocity.

Imagine a lift moving up and down. It is currently moving up with constant velocity. The lift now needs to stop so it begins to DECELERATE in the direction upwards and ACCELERATE downwards. Acceleration means an increasing velocity in one direction and deceleration means a decreasing velocity in the other direction. This applies even if the lift isn't moving in the direction of acceleration or deceleration.

Can you apply this to your car?
 
lekh2003 said:
Acceleration means which direction or axis is the car increasing in velocity.

Imagine a lift moving up and down. It is currently moving up with constant velocity. The lift now needs to stop so it begins to DECELERATE in the direction upwards and ACCELERATE downwards. Acceleration means an increasing velocity in one direction and deceleration means a decreasing velocity in the other direction. This applies even if the lift isn't moving in the direction of acceleration or deceleration.

Can you apply this to your car?
Oh so will it mean that the car must accelerate backwards??
 
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Muhammad Danish said:
When the driver applies brakes its velocity starts decreasing and direction of acceleration will be same to the direction of velocity.
Is this statement True of False?
Please explain the true concept of this scenario. As far as I understand is that Velocity will start decreasing. But I am confused regarding the ''Direction of Acceleration''.
Thanks.
(REGARDS)
The statement is false. Velocity and acceleration are vector quantities, and acceleration represents the rate of change of the velocity vector. Do you know what a vector is? If so, do you know how to perform vector addition and subtraction?
 
Chestermiller said:
The statement is false. Velocity and acceleration are vector quantities, and acceleration represents the rate of change of the velocity vector. Do you know what a vector is? If so, do you know how to perform vector addition and subtraction?
Yes, addition of vectors can be done by taking a scale and drawing a parallelogram or a triangle. By using triangle/parallelogram law of vector addition, we can find the resultant. Vector is a quantity that is described by both direction and magnitude.
 
Muhammad Danish said:
Oh so will it mean that the car must accelerate backwards??
Yes
 
Muhammad Danish said:
Oh so will it mean that the car must accelerate backwards??
Yes, this is what happens. The direction of the velocity mustn't be in the direction of acceleration for it to be accelerating/decelerating.
 
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