Velocity and acceleration on a track

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a runner moving at a constant speed around a track, focusing on the concepts of velocity and acceleration at different points along the track.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between speed and velocity, questioning the implications of constant speed on the runner's velocity and acceleration at various points. Some express uncertainty about the reasoning behind acceleration being greater in curved sections of the track.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing differing perspectives on the original poster's assertions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of acceleration in relation to curvature, but there is no explicit consensus on the points of maximum velocity and acceleration.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster has previously struggled with the question, indicating a potential gap in understanding that is being addressed through discussion.

mwhowell
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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?
 

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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
 
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?
 
mwhowell said:
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.
 
the reason i am asking is because i got the question wrong already
 

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