Velocity and acceleration on a track

[mwhowell]

Homework Statement

A runner runs with a constant speed around the track.

a) at which of the points is the runner's velocity the largest? Explain.

b) at which point is the runner's acceleration the largest? Explain.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I believe the runner has the highest velocity and acceleration at B because he is covering the most ground in the x and y vectors but I am not sure. Can anyone explain this to me?

 

[willem2]

a) there's really no difference between "the speed is larger" and "the velocity is larger". The speed is constant, so this question makes no sense.

b) The acceleration is largest where the track is the most curved

 

[mwhowell]

velocity has a vector and magnitude so there has to be a difference and what is the reason the acceleration is greater in the curve? can you supply an explanation for that?

 

[Kurdt]

velocity has a vector and magnitude so there has to be a difference and what is the reason the acceleration is greater in the curve? can you supply an explanation for that?

You should attempt this part yourself. Otherwise you will have had no input in the question.

 

[mwhowell]

the reason i am asking is because i got the question wrong already