Q12DQ - University Physics with Modern Physics

Question

An automobile is traveling west. Can it have a velocity toward the west and at the same time have an acceleration toward the east? Under what circumstances? 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Yes, when the vehicle is in the west direction, and breaks are applied on it, then the acceleration is in its opposite direction, which implies that the acceleration is in the east direction.

Given information

It is given that an automobile is moving in the west direction.

Determine the circumstances

It is known that the velocity is the ratio of displacement to the time taken. And the acceleration is the positive ratio of change in velocity with respect to time, when the ratio is negative then it is known as deceleration. The given condition is possible when the velocity of the vehicle is in the west direction and acceleration is in the east direction and breaks are applied to it. 

 

When breaks are applied then there is an acceleration in the opposite of direction of the vehicle, where the vehicle is in the west direction, so acceleration is in the East direction.