Is it possible for an object that is travelling at constant speed to be accelerating? If yes, give an example. Anyone can explain this to me? Thanks.
2007-02-07 01:29:09 · 10 answers · asked by FSC 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Here is the real truth from an MSc Physicist.
If an object is travelling in a straight line at constant speed it is not accelerating.
However if a object is travelling say, in a circle (or circular motion) at constant velocity IT IS Accelerating due to it constantly changing direction. You should however refer to this as Velocity rather than speed.
Acceleration is defined as a change in velocity or direction.
Velocity is a VECTOR and has both Magnitude and Direction.
Speed is a SCALAR and just has a nominal value and no direction.
Hope this helps !
2007-02-07 01:35:51 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor Q 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you are talking about in space, the answer is yes. Gravity of planetary bodies will make an object that is traveling at a constant speed speed up and slow down as it passes it or goes by the gravitational pull of the planet. I am not sure about in an atmosphere though. I guess if it was traveling on level ground and then started down a hill, this would cause the same affect or at least until it reached level ground again. I hope this helps.
2007-02-07 02:11:12 · answer #2 · answered by golden rider 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fact that it's accelerating means it's speed is NOT constant. So I'd say NOT possible.
2007-02-07 01:32:59 · answer #3 · answered by bradxschuman 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no its not. if an object is traveling at a constant speed than it doesnt slow down or speed up. when an object is accelerating it speeds up.
not possible.
2007-02-07 01:32:41 · answer #4 · answered by look behind you 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ok here is the thing. when an object is accelerating, its speed is either increasing or decreasing ( deceleration). Constant speed is distance/time and does not change ( uniform). When the VELOCITY of the object changes , the objects acelerates ( aceleration = distance/time squared)
Hope u understand.
2007-02-07 01:50:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes to be physic is a possibility
2016-05-24 02:48:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sure it is possible....u have said constant SPEED which does not take into account the direction....
ACELERATION i sthe change of VELOCITY...so both direction and magnitude...
even if direction changes..there will be ACCELERATION..but the speed remains the same
like yes...something moving in a circle is cintinuously acceleration
haha..it will stump many..good question
2007-02-07 01:38:28 · answer #7 · answered by catty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible if you change frame of reference. In Newtonian physics it is not possible. Frame of reference means the point with refer to which you are considering the object is moving.
2007-02-07 01:33:23 · answer #8 · answered by Mihir Durve 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
theoretically it is possible. I wish i could Articulate my knowledge to you but alas this could never be, as i am just a mere mortal and not a professor of physics. So sorry old beam.
2007-02-07 01:45:13 · answer #9 · answered by Bertie D 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Look up venturi principle on the web
2007-02-07 01:31:47 · answer #10 · answered by pilotB 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋