THE PRACTICE STUDIO

Go slowly. Ask why. Make it yours.

PRACTICE · MEMBERSBeginner · Single correct

PRACTICE / Velocity and acceleration

Can velocity be zero while acceleration is not?

A tracking sensor records a cart moving along a straight rail. Its signed velocity is v(t) = 6 − 3t m/s, with t in seconds. The record is valid from t = 0 to t = 4 s.

At the instant the cart reverses direction, what is its acceleration?

Organize the givens & assumptions
  • Initial velocity: +6 m/s
  • Velocity changes by −3 m/s each second
  • Positive direction: along the initial motion

One-dimensional motion in an inertial laboratory frame; the stated velocity law holds throughout the interval.

  1. A0 m s−20\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}
  2. B−3 m s−2-3\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}
  3. C+3 m s−2+3\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}
  4. D−6 m s−2-6\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}

Try it on paper first. Free sample problems in every collection include the complete reasoning: find one in this collection →