Velocity and Acceleration with SMH

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of velocity and acceleration in the context of simple harmonic motion (SHM). Participants are exploring the relationship between these quantities, particularly why velocity can be zero when acceleration is at its maximum.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the relationship between velocity and acceleration, particularly at points of maximum displacement in SHM. They discuss the implications of velocity being zero at maximum acceleration and explore the role of displacement in this context. Some suggest considering the time dimension and the effects of potential and kinetic energy on these quantities.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with multiple participants contributing their thoughts and perspectives. There is an exploration of different interpretations regarding the behavior of velocity and acceleration in SHM, with some guidance offered on considering energy forms and the timing of changes in direction.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating conceptual questions rather than solving a specific homework problem, indicating a focus on understanding fundamental principles rather than applying formulas or methods.

davev
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This is not a homework question; it's conceptual question.

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Why is velocity 0 when acceleration is at its max? I don't understand how that could be when acceleration is a measure of velocity over time.
 
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davev said:
Why is velocity 0 when acceleration is at its max? I don't understand how that could be when acceleration is a measure of velocity over time.

Acceleration is a measure of the change in velocity over the time interval during which the velocity changes. When the block reaches maximum displacement, is the velocity changing?
 
davev said:
Why is velocity 0 when acceleration is at its max? I don't understand how that could be when acceleration is a measure of velocity over time.

It may be helpful to first think about why displacement is 0 when velocity is max.

Edit: Also consider why acceleration is 0 when velocity is max.
 
Also think about the time dimension. v=0 only momentarily, when the object cannot go any further and is about to change direction, and starts to travel to the other direction. Without any acceleration the velocity will remain zero and never change, Newton's first law.
 
Can this better be explained using potential and kinetic energy? Like how a pendulum's velocity is fastest at the center and slowest at the two peaks?
 
davev said:
Can this better be explained using potential and kinetic energy? Like how a pendulum's velocity is fastest at the center and slowest at the two peaks?
Yes that is another way of looking at it. But to explain the acceleration you need to think how the change in velocity occurs. After it becomes zero, momentarily, it starts to go the other direction, without acceleration the velocity will not change.
cheers
croad
 

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