Why does the direction of gravitational acceleration stay the same?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of gravitational acceleration and its direction in relation to velocity. Participants are exploring the relationship between speed and velocity, particularly in the context of gravitational forces acting on a projectile.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand why gravitational acceleration remains constant in direction despite changes in velocity. Questions are raised about the distinction between speed and velocity, and how these concepts relate to gravitational acceleration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have acknowledged confusion regarding the terms speed and velocity, leading to a clearer understanding of speed. However, questions remain about the constancy of gravitational acceleration and its independence from the projectile's motion.

Contextual Notes

There is an implication that the discussion is framed within a specific inertial reference frame, which may affect the interpretation of gravitational acceleration. The original poster's assumptions about the relationship between gravity and the motion of the projectile are being examined.

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The Attempt at a Solution


Since at N the gravity is now heading down towards the person in a positive direction it's acceleration is G, where as velocity goes up then comes down towards the person so it's velocity is now negative, thus -V, but the correct answer is A?? Why do both components stay the same?
 
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Hint: Is speed the same thing as velocity?
 
gneill said:
Hint: Is speed the same thing as velocity?

Yep, you're right, I confused speed and velocity. So now I understand why speed V is the same.

But for gravity, why has that not changed?
 
ravsterphysics said:
Yep, you're right, I confused speed and velocity. So now I understand why speed V is the same.

But for gravity, why has that not changed?
The Earth didn't move? :smile:

The direction of the gravitational acceleration vector in the chosen inertial reference frame is independent of the motion of the projectile. Down is still down.
 

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