Zero velocity and zero acceleraton

In summary, velocity and acceleration are different measures of an object's motion. An object can have zero velocity at a certain point in its path, but it will still have a non-zero acceleration due to the constant force of gravity acting on it. Whether the object is being thrown as a projectile or simply standing still, it will always have some form of velocity and acceleration.
  • #1
Throwback24
15
0
If velocity is the change in position per unit time and acceleration measures the change in velocity of an object, can an object zero velocity or zero acceleration?

In terms of a baseball, the baseball stands still for a moment at the top. Would that mean it has zero velocity?

But does a baseball ever have zero acceleration? It doesn't speed up nor speed down at the at the arc, so would that be zero as well?

Thank you in advance.
 
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  • #2
Is the baseball being thrown like projectile?

If it is thrown as a projectile it does always have a velocity, at least in the x direction.

In the y- direction it's y velocity is 0 at the highest point on the path, but the total velocity will still be non zero, unless it was thrown straight up.

Also, there is a constant nonzero force on the ball (gravity) at all times. What does this tell you about the acceleration of the ball at all times?
 
  • #3
You are fairly close to understanding what is going on. If you throw the projectile straight up, it will have zero velocity at the top but the acceleration will always = 9.8 m/s/s downwards.

First it is only stationary (v=0) for a fraction of a fraction of a second.

Second it has an upwards velocity immediatly before and a downwards velocity immediatly afterwards. So it has to have a downwards acceleration.
 

1. What is zero velocity?

Zero velocity is when an object is not moving at all. It has no speed or direction, and its position remains constant.

2. Can an object have zero velocity but still have acceleration?

Yes, an object can have zero velocity but still have acceleration. This can occur when the object is changing its direction or when its speed is constantly changing, but its overall average velocity is zero.

3. What is zero acceleration?

Zero acceleration is when an object's velocity remains constant, meaning its speed and direction do not change. This can occur when an object is at rest or moving at a constant speed in a straight line.

4. Can an object have zero acceleration but still have a non-zero velocity?

Yes, an object can have zero acceleration but still have a non-zero velocity. This can occur when the object is moving at a constant speed in a straight line, as its velocity remains constant even though its acceleration is zero.

5. How are velocity and acceleration related when both are zero?

When both velocity and acceleration are zero, it means that the object is either at rest or moving at a constant speed in a straight line. In other words, there is no change in the object's position over time, and it is not experiencing any change in its speed or direction.

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