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Linear Acceleration

Author:Matt Dyck
Topic:Vectors
Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity. We can see that a new velocity v can be found by adding to the original velocity . In this simulation, the velocity at any time, the instantaneous velocity, is represented by a black arrow. The acceleration is show by a red arrow. ( a red dot or block dot means the value is 0). The scale on the x axis is velocity in the x-direction. It is originally set to 1.0 m/s (hit reset app icon at top right) and is therefore 1 unit on the x-axis.

1. Set the velocity to 1.0 m/s and the acceleration to 0 . Click the start button. What happens to the velocity?

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2. Set the acceleration to + 1.0 . Notice the acceleration vector is 1 unit long now as well. Acceleration is the change in velocity per unit of time. If we move time forward by 1.0 s. The velocity(vel) vector should become 1.0 m/s longer. Try it.

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3. Try without the applet first, then check. a. What will happen to the length of the red acceleration vector if you increase a to +2? b What will happen to the length of the black velocity vector after 1.0 s? c. What will happen to the length of the black velocity vector after 4.0 s?

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2. Set the acceleration to +2.0 m/s2 and keep the initial velocity at 1.0 m/s. How much will the velocity change after 1.0 s, 2.0 s, 3.5 s? (Hint: acceleration is the change in velocity per second)

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4. Keep the acceleration at 2.0 m/s2 and change the initial velocity to -2.0 m/s. a. What will be the length of the acceleration vector? What direction will it be pointing? b. What will be the length of the black velocity vector after 1.0 s? c. What will be the length of the black velocity vector after 3.0 s?

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5. A car travelling at 10.0 m/s East accelerates at 5.0 m/s2 East. How much will the velocity change in 3.0 s?

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6. A car travelling at 10.0 m/s East accelerates at 5.0 m/s2 East. What will be the velocity after 3.0 s?

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7. A car travelling at 10.0 m/s West accelerates at 5.0 m/s2 East. What will be the velocity after 3.0 s?

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