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A classmate in the physics state that the negative acceleration always mean that a moving object is decelerating is that true?
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
It is not true. It means that the object MIGHT be decelerating but not "always" (as your friend says). Instead, think of it this way...
We start by clarifying that there is no such thing as "negative acceleration" per se. That is, that acceleration is a vector composed of an absolute value scalar and a direction. So "negative acceleration" actually refers to an acceleration which just happens to be in the negative direction of whatever coordinate system you've chosen to define for the particular problem.
We define a coordinate system (for a two dimensional universe to keep things simple) with positve/negative x and y. If the object starts out already moving in the positive X direction, then to apply an acceleration in the negative direction would mean there is deceleration. If the object is stationary or moving in the negative X direction, then applying an acceleration in the negative X direction would actually be accelerating the object. In other words, the reference from has to stay constant for there to be meaningful discourse on the subject. By the same note, even moving in the positive X direction, if the object is acclerated in the negative Y direction then the object is actually accelerating.
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
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What is deceleration in physics?
'Acceleration' is defined as the rate of change in velocity and the direction of the change. 'Deceleration' is a popular but unscientific word used to describe acceleration with a negative magnitude, i.e. 'slowing down' without regard for its direction.
What is a negative acceleration called?
You'll find a lot of people who call it "deceleration". But in real Physics, there's no such thing.There's only positive or negative acceleration, depending on whether the acceleration is inthe same or opposite direction compared to what you decided to call the positive direction.Negative acceleration is sometimes, but not always, associated with something that's slowing down.
Will acceleration only speed up an object?
In popular usage, "acceleration" means an increase in speed. In physics, any change in velocity is called an "acceleration".In popular usage, "acceleration" means an increase in speed. In physics, any change in velocity is called an "acceleration".In popular usage, "acceleration" means an increase in speed. In physics, any change in velocity is called an "acceleration".In popular usage, "acceleration" means an increase in speed. In physics, any change in velocity is called an "acceleration".
What is the physics definition for acceleration?
Acceleration is a change in velocity over a period of time.
What would a negative acceleration tell you about the object in motion?
the car is at a constant speed---------------------------------------------------------I'm pretty sure that if the acceleration is negative, the car is slowing down. But if the velocity is negative, the car is either heading south or down (velocity refers to speed and direction.. according to my physics teacher).
What is deceleration in physics?
'Acceleration' is defined as the rate of change in velocity and the direction of the change. 'Deceleration' is a popular but unscientific word used to describe acceleration with a negative magnitude, i.e. 'slowing down' without regard for its direction.
What do you called the negative acceleration?
That is sometimes called deceleration. In physics, however, any change of velocity is simply called "acceleration".
What happens to the acceleration when something slows down?
Deaceleration, I'm in basic physics and i know that. its not that hard. but it is a type of acceleration.
What is the decrease of speed called in physics?
Any change of velocity, including a decrease of speed, is described and measured as acceleration. Assuming the velocity and acceleration vectors point in the same direction, then in the case of decreasing speed, the magnitude of the acceleration is a negative value. Negative acceleration is often called deceleration, but that is just a special case of acceleration.
Positive acceleration differ from negative acceleration?
Yes. Mathematically, they have opposite signs. So they are opposing vectors. In terms of physics, they represent the effects of forces acting in opposite directions.
What is a negative acceleration called?
You'll find a lot of people who call it "deceleration". But in real Physics, there's no such thing.There's only positive or negative acceleration, depending on whether the acceleration is inthe same or opposite direction compared to what you decided to call the positive direction.Negative acceleration is sometimes, but not always, associated with something that's slowing down.
Will acceleration only speed up an object?
In popular usage, "acceleration" means an increase in speed. In physics, any change in velocity is called an "acceleration".In popular usage, "acceleration" means an increase in speed. In physics, any change in velocity is called an "acceleration".In popular usage, "acceleration" means an increase in speed. In physics, any change in velocity is called an "acceleration".In popular usage, "acceleration" means an increase in speed. In physics, any change in velocity is called an "acceleration".
What is the physics definition for acceleration?
Acceleration is a change in velocity over a period of time.
What is abbreviation for accelerators?
in physics acceleration is abbriviated as "a".
Is Acceleration is a rate that can describe how speed or direction is changing?
Acceleration is a change in velocity. Velocity is defined as the speed of an object in a specific direction. It is a vector quantity. Thus acceleration could be a rate of change of speed, velocity or both. In addition, acceration can be negative. In physics terms, there is no such thing as "Deceleration". Any change is considered to be acceleration.
What would a negative acceleration tell you about the object in motion?
the car is at a constant speed---------------------------------------------------------I'm pretty sure that if the acceleration is negative, the car is slowing down. But if the velocity is negative, the car is either heading south or down (velocity refers to speed and direction.. according to my physics teacher).
Is increasing acceleration the same as positive acceleration?
No. "Positive acceleration" means increasing speed. The acceleration is usually constantin typical Physics examples and applications.
