Why is Acceleration Non-Zero at Maximum Height?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of acceleration in the context of projectile motion, specifically addressing why acceleration remains non-zero at the maximum height of a thrown object, despite the velocity being zero at that point. The scope includes conceptual clarification and technical reasoning related to kinematics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why the acceleration is -9.8 m/s² at maximum height when the velocity is 0 m/s, suggesting a misunderstanding of the relationship between acceleration and velocity.
  • Another participant emphasizes that velocity is not constant and that one must differentiate velocity as a function of time to understand the acceleration at that moment.
  • A later reply points out that since velocity increases uniformly, its derivative will be constant, implying a need for a deeper understanding of the underlying principles.
  • There is a mention of a teaching strategy that involves guiding others to recognize their mistakes without directly stating them, which reflects on the pedagogical approach in discussions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the understanding of acceleration and its relationship to velocity, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misunderstandings of the derivative concept in relation to motion, and the need for clarity on how acceleration is defined in the context of changing velocity over time.

nebbione
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Hi everyone! If i know that acceleration is the derivative of the velocity, why when i throw an object in the air when the object reaches the maximum height its velocity is 0 m/s and its acceleration is still -9.8 m/s^2 ? I mean, the derivative of 0 m/s is not -g but still 0.

Who can explain me this ?
 
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What is the derivative of y = 4x - 4? What is the derivative of that when x = 1?
 
the derivative is 4 and when x=1 is still 4.
 
Do you see your mistake now?
 
Velocity in this case(magnitude) is not constant.Therefore you have to differentiate velocity as a function of time this and find its value at the required time.However,since velocity increases uniformly and I've is linear,its derivative will be constant
 
Vanadium 50 -

Clever - interesting how you explained what he did wrong
without explicitly stating what he did wrong. That is a good
strategy to employ when teaching others. Thank You.
 

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