Speed vs Acceleration: Can An Object Do Both?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the relationship between speed and acceleration, specifically whether an object can increase its speed while experiencing a decrease in acceleration. Participants explore examples and scenarios to illustrate their points.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if an object can increase in speed while its acceleration decreases, seeking examples or explanations.
  • Another participant asserts that as long as acceleration is positive, speed will continue to increase, providing a numerical example to support this claim.
  • A third participant agrees with the previous points and offers a real-world analogy involving a car accelerating onto an interstate, explaining that a reduction in acceleration does not necessarily mean a decrease in speed until acceleration reaches zero or becomes negative.
  • A later reply expresses gratitude for the clarifications provided by earlier participants, indicating understanding of the concepts discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that an object can increase its speed while experiencing a decrease in acceleration, as long as the acceleration remains positive. However, the initial question remains open for further exploration.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential limitations or assumptions regarding the definitions of speed and acceleration, nor does it explore scenarios where acceleration could be negative.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the concepts of motion, physics students, and those exploring the dynamics of speed and acceleration may find this discussion relevant.

abrowaqas
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Can an object be increasing in speed as its acceleration decreases? if so, give an example; if not explain why.
 
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As long as an object has positive acceleration, its speed will be increasing.

If an object is moving at, say 100 m/s, with acceleration, 10 m/s^2, as the acceleration decreases to 5 m/s^2, that is still a positive acceleration so its speed is still increasing.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yes. Like Hallofivy said above.

Think of being in a fast car getting onto the interstate from an on ramp. If you floor the accelerator, you will accelerate pretty quickly. Now, if you let off the accelerator a little bit, your acceleration slows down, but you are still increasing your velocity. Until the acceleration reaches zero or goes negative, then you will increase in speed.
 
thanks halls and drak..

i got it..
 

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