Deceleration and Acceleration: Opposites or One and the Same?

In summary, if you decelerate in one direction, you are technically accelerating in the opposite direction according to the definition of acceleration as an increase in speed. This means that if you are slowing down while moving upwards in an elevator, you are also accelerating downwards since you are decelerating in the opposite direction of your original movement. The same concept applies while driving, as a decrease in speed in one direction results in an acceleration in the opposite direction according to the definition of acceleration.
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Balsam
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Homework Statement


If you decelerate in one direction, are you accelerating in the opposite direction? Ex. You are standing in an elevator and are slowing down, going upwards- are you accelerating downwards since you're decelerating in the opposite direction, upwards?

Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution


I think this is true.
 
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  • #2
Yea, I agree,
While driving if you go from 100mph to 50mph, then in the other direction you are going from -100mph to -50mph, if you take the definition of acceleration as an increase in speed, then yes you are technically accelerating in the other direction even while moving less than 0mph towards it
 
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Related to Deceleration and Acceleration: Opposites or One and the Same?

1. What is the difference between deceleration and acceleration?

Deceleration and acceleration are both terms used to describe changes in an object's velocity. However, they are opposite in direction. Acceleration refers to an increase in velocity, while deceleration refers to a decrease in velocity.

2. How is deceleration calculated?

Deceleration can be calculated by subtracting the initial velocity from the final velocity and dividing the result by the time it took for the change to occur. This can be represented by the equation a = (vf - vi)/t, where a is acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time.

3. What are some examples of deceleration in everyday life?

Deceleration can be observed in many everyday activities. Some common examples include a car slowing down to stop at a red light, a person gradually slowing down while riding a bike, and a plane gradually descending before landing.

4. How does deceleration affect an object's motion?

Deceleration can cause an object to change its direction or come to a complete stop. It can also cause the object's velocity to decrease, resulting in a decrease in the object's kinetic energy.

5. Is deceleration always negative?

Not necessarily. Deceleration is negative when it is in the opposite direction of the object's motion. However, if an object is moving in the negative direction and its velocity decreases, the deceleration would be considered positive. It all depends on the direction of the change in velocity.

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