Understanding Uniform Acceleration: Explained in Simple Terms

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SUMMARY

Uniform acceleration refers to a constant rate of change in velocity, exemplified by smooth acceleration in vehicles equipped with advanced transmission systems, such as 6-speed automatic and continuously variable transmissions. This concept contrasts with non-uniform acceleration, where speed changes in bursts, as seen in scenarios like drag racing or children on a merry-go-round. Understanding uniform acceleration is crucial for solving various real-world problems, including the design of roller coasters and the operation of vehicles under different conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of physics concepts, particularly motion and acceleration
  • Familiarity with vehicle mechanics, including horsepower and torque
  • Knowledge of transmission types, specifically 6-speed automatic and continuously variable transmissions
  • Concept of gravitational acceleration and its effects on motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of kinematics, focusing on uniform vs. non-uniform acceleration
  • Explore the mechanics of different vehicle transmission systems and their impact on acceleration
  • Investigate the role of gravity in motion and its applications in physics
  • Examine real-world applications of uniform acceleration in engineering, such as roller coaster design
USEFUL FOR

Students learning physics, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding motion dynamics and vehicle performance.

ImsoFly
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What's Uniform acceleration??

Can anybody please tell me or explain to me an easy way of what uniform acceleration is? I don't understand what my teacher is telling us!:cry:
 
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Maybe the best way to answer is what constitutes non-uniform acceleration.
Very easy example to consider is your car. Both horsepower and torque vary with RPM. So in doing a drag race scenario, you start in first gear and experience lively acceleration, the push back into the seat, the speedometer climbing rapidly, and then... the motor won't deliver. If you have a car like mine it will even cause fuel stoppage when you hit the REDline. Uniform acceleration is what technology is pushing us towards with 6 gears automatic transmissions and even beyond with continuously variable transmissions.

You feel no change from flooring it and reaching 100MPH. Its all so smooth.

Gravity is like this. Slowing your car is like this, (if you discount brake fade).

Maybe another example of non constant acceleration, kids on a merry go round pushed by friends. Every time they push a surge in speed, and overtime a buildup of speed, but not the same sensation as if we hook up motor and program it to reach the same speed without any surges ober 20 seconds.
Anytime a real thrill is involved, likely non-uniform, but to get back to usual teaching acceleration is constant. This is tremendously helpful property in lots of real world scenarios, that allow a solution to many problems and make roller coasters possible.

This help at all?
 
Last edited:
denverdoc said:
Maybe the best way to answer is what constitutes non-uniform acceleration.
Very easy example to consider is your car. Both horsepower and torque vary with RPM. So in doing a drag race scenario, you start in first gear and experience lively acceleration, the push back into the seat, the speedometer climbing rapidly, and then... the motor won't deliver. If you have a car like mine it will even cause fuel stoppage when you hit the REDline. Uniform acceleration is what technology is pushing us towards with 6 gears automatic transmissions and even beyond with continuously variable transmissions.

You feel no change from flooring it and reaching 100MPH. Its all so smooth.

Gravity is like this. Slowing your car is like this, (if you discount brake fade).

Maybe another example of non constant acceleration, kids on a merry go round pushed by friends. Every time they push a surge in speed, and overtime a buildup of speed, but not the same sensation as if we hook up motor and program it to reach the same speed without any surges ober 20 seconds.
Anytime a real thrill is involved, likely non-uniform, but to get back to usual teaching acceleration is constant. This is tremendously helpful property in lots of real world scenarios, that allow a solution to many problems and make roller coasters possible.

This help at all?
yes it did! wow
 
Thanks a lot!
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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