Average acceleration given three velocity vectors?

Thread starter Esoremada
Start date Oct 9, 2013
Tags

Acceleration Average Average acceleration Vectors Velocity

In summary, average acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over a given period of time, calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. Velocity vectors are used to represent an object's speed and direction of motion at a specific point in time. Average acceleration is given three velocity vectors to account for changes in direction and speed. It is different from instantaneous acceleration, which is calculated at a specific moment and represents the object's acceleration at that time.

Oct 9, 2013

Esoremada

Can someone explain this? http://puu.sh/4LNE6.png

What is the relevance of t₁ < t₂ < t₃

Last edited by a moderator: May 6, 2017

Physics news on Phys.org

Oct 9, 2013

mfb

Mentor

Insights Author

t1<t2<t3 just makes sure your time-ordering is right, so you first have v1, afterwards v2, and then v3, and not some other order.

Oct 9, 2013

Esoremada

Oh I was thinking of them each representing time intervals for some reason, I get it. Thanks

Related to Average acceleration given three velocity vectors?

1. What is average acceleration?

Average acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over a given period of time. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

2. How is average acceleration calculated?

To calculate average acceleration, you need to divide the change in velocity by the change in time. This can be represented by the equation a=(vf-vi)/t, where a is average acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is the time interval.

3. What are velocity vectors?

Velocity vectors are arrows that represent the speed and direction of an object's motion. They are used to show the magnitude and direction of an object's velocity at a specific point in time.

4. Why is average acceleration given three velocity vectors?

Average acceleration is given three velocity vectors because it allows for a more accurate calculation. By using three different velocities at different points in time, we can account for changes in direction and speed, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the object's acceleration.

5. How is average acceleration different from instantaneous acceleration?

Average acceleration is calculated over a period of time, while instantaneous acceleration is calculated at a specific point in time. Instantaneous acceleration is the limit of average acceleration as the time interval approaches zero, meaning it represents the object's acceleration at that specific moment. Average acceleration, on the other hand, gives an overall understanding of the object's acceleration over a period of time.