How To Find Angular Acceleration From Angular Velocity: Problem And Examples

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In the field of physics and mechanics, understanding rotational motion is essential. One important concept in rotational motion is angular acceleration, which relates to the rate of change of angular velocity. In this blog post, we will explore how to find angular acceleration from angular velocity, step by step. We will also cover special cases and related concepts, providing clear explanations and examples along the way.

How to Calculate Angular Acceleration from Angular Velocity

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The Mathematical Formula

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The formula to calculate angular acceleration (alpha) from angular velocity (omega) is given by:

 alpha = frac{{Delta omega}}{{Delta t}}

Here, Delta omega represents the change in angular velocity, and Delta t represents the change in time.

Step-by-Step Process

To find the angular acceleration from angular velocity, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the initial angular velocity (omega_i) and the final angular velocity (omega_f).
  2. Determine the time interval (Delta t) during which the change in angular velocity occurs.
  3. Calculate the change in angular velocity (Delta omega) by subtracting the initial angular velocity from the final angular velocity: Delta omega = omega_f - omega_i.
  4. Divide the change in angular velocity by the change in time to obtain the angular acceleration: alpha = frac{{Delta omega}}{{Delta t}}.

Worked out Example

how to find angular acceleration from angular velocity
Image by User:Cdang – Wikimedia Commons, Wikimedia Commons, Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Let’s work through an example to better understand how to find angular acceleration from angular velocity.

Example: A wheel starts with an initial angular velocity of 2 rad/s and accelerates uniformly to a final angular velocity of 8 rad/s over a time interval of 4 seconds. Calculate the angular acceleration.

Solution:
Given:
Initial angular velocity (omega_i) = 2 rad/s
Final angular velocity (omega_f) = 8 rad/s
Time interval (Delta t) = 4 s

To find the angular acceleration (alpha), we can use the formula: alpha = frac{{Delta omega}}{{Delta t}}.

First, calculate the change in angular velocity (Delta omega):
Delta omega = omega_f - omega_i = 8 , text{rad/s} - 2 , text{rad/s} = 6 , text{rad/s}.

Next, divide the change in angular velocity by the change in time:
alpha = frac{{Delta omega}}{{Delta t}} = frac{{6 , text{rad/s}}}{{4 , text{s}}} = 1.5 , text{rad/s}^2.

Therefore, the angular acceleration of the wheel is 1.5 , text{rad/s}^2.

Special Cases in Finding Angular Acceleration

How to Find Angular Acceleration without Time

In some cases, the time interval (Delta t) may not be given. However, it is still possible to find the angular acceleration using other known quantities.

If the initial angular velocity (omega_i), final angular velocity (omega_f), and the change in angular displacement (Delta theta) are known, the angular acceleration can be found using the following formula:

 alpha = frac{{(omega_f)^2 - (omega_i)^2}}{{2 cdot Delta theta}}

Where Delta theta represents the change in angular displacement.

How to Find Angular Acceleration from Angular Velocity and Radius

In situations where the angular velocity (omega) and radius (r) are known instead of time, the angular acceleration can be determined using the following formula:

 alpha = frac{{omega^2}}{{r}}

Where r represents the radius.

How to Find Angular Acceleration from Angular Velocity and Time

If the angular velocity (omega) and tangential acceleration (a_t) are given, the angular acceleration can be calculated using the formula:

 alpha = frac{{a_t}}{{r}}

Where r is the radius.

Related Concepts

How to Find Tangential Acceleration from Angular Velocity

To find the tangential acceleration (a_t) from angular velocity (omega) and radius (r), you can use the formula:

 a_t = omega cdot r

This formula relates the linear velocity (v) to the angular velocity (omega) and radius (r), as tangential acceleration is the rate of change of linear velocity.

How to Find Linear Acceleration from Angular Velocity

Linear acceleration (a) can be determined from angular velocity (omega) and radius (r) using the formula:

 a = alpha cdot r

Where alpha represents the angular acceleration.

How to Calculate Centripetal Acceleration from Angular Velocity

Centripetal acceleration (a_c) can be calculated using the formula:

 a_c = frac{{v^2}}{{r}} = omega^2 cdot r

Here, v represents the linear velocity and r is the radius.

Understanding how to find angular acceleration from angular velocity is crucial for analyzing rotational motion. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can calculate angular acceleration accurately. Remember to consider special cases and related concepts to gain a comprehensive understanding of this topic.

How can you find the constant angular acceleration from the given angular velocity in a motion?

To find the constant angular acceleration from the given angular velocity, you can follow the steps mentioned in the article Finding constant angular acceleration in motion. First, determine the final angular velocity and initial angular velocity. Then, calculate the change in angular velocity and the change in time. Finally, divide the change in angular velocity by the change in time to obtain the constant angular acceleration. This method helps in quantifying the change in angular velocity over a specific period of time, enabling a deeper understanding of the motion’s behavior.

Numerical Problems on how to find angular acceleration from angular velocity

Problem 1:

An object is rotating with an angular velocity of 4 rad/s. It accelerates uniformly at a rate of 2 rad/s^2 for a time of 5 seconds. Find the final angular velocity of the object.

Solution:
Given:
Initial angular velocity, omega_{i} = 4 rad/s
Angular acceleration, alpha = 2 rad/s^2
Time, t = 5 s

The final angular velocity can be calculated using the formula:
[omega_{f} = omega_{i} + alpha t]

Substituting the given values, we have:
[omega_{f} = 4 + 2 times 5 = 14 text{ rad/s}]

Therefore, the final angular velocity of the object is 14 rad/s.

Problem 2:

A wheel starts from rest and rotates with an angular acceleration of 3 rad/s^2. If it rotates for a time of 10 seconds, find the final angular velocity of the wheel.

Solution:
Given:
Initial angular velocity, omega_{i} = 0 rad/s (as the wheel starts from rest)
Angular acceleration, alpha = 3 rad/s^2
Time, t = 10 s

The final angular velocity can be calculated using the formula:
[omega_{f} = omega_{i} + alpha t]

Substituting the given values, we have:
[omega_{f} = 0 + 3 times 10 = 30 text{ rad/s}]

Therefore, the final angular velocity of the wheel is 30 rad/s.

Problem 3:

how to find angular acceleration from angular velocity
Image by EnEdC – Wikimedia Commons, Wikimedia Commons, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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A fan blade initially rotates with an angular velocity of 8 rad/s. It decelerates uniformly at a rate of 4 rad/s^2 for a time of 2 seconds. Find the final angular velocity of the fan blade.

Solution:
Given:
Initial angular velocity, omega_{i} = 8 rad/s
Angular acceleration, alpha = -4 rad/s^2 (negative sign indicates deceleration)
Time, t = 2 s

The final angular velocity can be calculated using the formula:
[omega_{f} = omega_{i} + alpha t]

Substituting the given values, we have:
[omega_{f} = 8 - 4 times 2 = 0 text{ rad/s}]

Therefore, the final angular velocity of the fan blade is 0 rad/s.

Also Read:

11 Angular Acceleration Examples: Detailed Insight And Facts

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In this article, we will see various angular acceleration examples with detailed insight.

An object exhibiting circular motion associates the angular acceleration. The following is the list of examples of angular acceleration:-

Electric Motor

The electric motor runs on the principle of electromagnetism. When supplied with the electric current, the coil in the motor produces the magnetic field that experiences the torque and the motor rotates. It helps to convert electric energy into mechanical energy. The speed of the motor is calculated as the rotation per minute (rpm).

Merry-go-round

A person sitting on the merry-go-round experiences the centripetal force acting towards the point at a center, and the centrifugal force outward. Both the forces cancel out, which keeps the body intact on the seat and in the direction of motion.

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Merry-go-round;
Image Credit: Pixabay

There is a change in the angular velocity of the merry-go-round while speeding up and slowing down the wheel. The direction of the radial velocity of a person keeps on changing which is proportional to the angular velocity and the distance of a chair on which the person is seated from the center of a merry-go-round.

Ferries wheel

The ferries wheel accelerates at a constant speed, and its speed varies only at the start of the journey and at the end to slow down. Since, there is a change in the angular velocity of a ferries wheel, while speeding up or down it is associated with the angular acceleration; otherwise, it has a constant angular acceleration.

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Ferrieswheel;
Image Credit: Pixabay

We can write a kinematics equation for the angular velocity of the ferries wheel as

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Integrating the above equation,

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Squaring eqn(1) on both the sides

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From eqn(2),

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Using this in the above eqn, we have third kinematic equation.

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Mixer

Due to the rotation of the shaft attached to the blades used in a mixer, the blades rotate to grind the mixer. The speed of the motor is regulated by the power supplied to the machine that increases or decreases the rotations per second of the motor couplers. As the angular velocity of the motor coupler varies, the rate of angular acceleration varies accordingly.

Grinder

A shaft on the machine rotates on supplying the electric current that results in the rotors attached to the shafts to accelerate. One rotation of a rotor will displace the outer vessel which is filled with the mixture to a length of the circumference of the rotor.

The angular velocity of the grinder varies on changing the power supply while starting the machine and on putting off from the power supply.

Gravitron

The angular velocity of the gravitron rises gradually and constantly until the centrifugal force acting on the body reaches the epic point at which, even after removing the plate beneath the foot of a person standing in the gravitron does not fall down due to gravity.

This is an exciting thing to experience at the amusement park. The speed of a gravitron varies constantly and hence there is an angular acceleration of the gravitron. The centrifugal force is responsible for a body to remain attached to the wall of the gravitron and prevent a person from falling down underneath.

Wheel of a Car

The angular velocity of a wheel depends upon the speed of a car. The angular acceleration of a wheel is equal to the change in the angular velocity of a wheel.

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A car; Image Credit: Pixabay

The distance covered by one revolution of a wheel of a car is equal to the circumference of a wheel. The greater the diameter of a wheel less will be its angular velocity and hence less will be the angular acceleration by the wheel.

Fans

On putting on the power to the fan, the propellers initially rotate because of the energy stored in the capacitor of the fan, and then gradually take the speed as the motor of the fan experiences the torque due to the electromagnetic field.

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Ceiling Fan,
Image Credit: Pixabay

The speed of the rotation of a propeller is regulated by the regulator and changes by switching the plug for different power ranges. We see the variations in the angular velocity of the fan, hence is an example of angular acceleration.

Windmills

Windmill converts wind energy to electric energy. For propellers of the windmill to rotate a shaft is connected to the propellers and which is then connected to the motor to increase the number of rotations of a propeller to produce a large amount of energy. The electric energy produced is stored in the generator.

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Windmill;
Image Credit: Pixabay

The energy produced depends upon the number of turns of a propeller which is governed by the angular speed that keeps on varying with the speed of the wind. Hence, the acceleration rate of the propellers varies.

Pulley

A pulley is a wheel that is designed for easy displace or lift the objects to minimize the utilization of the muscular force by changing the direction of the force applied.

See the source image
Pulley; Image Credit: GlobalSpec

The angular acceleration of a pulley depends upon the angular velocity of a pulley varied with time. The pulley accelerates by stretching the length of the string attached to the pulley.

Pendulum in a Simple Harmonic Motion

A pendulum in a harmonic motion oscillates with angular velocity making an angle between the initial and final highest point which reduces with time. The speed of the pendulum also decreases due to the restoring force and the air drag.

There is a continuous change in the angular velocity of a pendulum which decreases with time; hence the angular acceleration of a pendulum in a simple harmonic motion is negative.

Read more on How To Find Constant Angular Acceleration: Problems And Examples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. The ferries wheel at a rest starts accelerating with an angular velocity of 4m/s in 8 seconds. What is the angular acceleration of the ferries wheel?

Given:

ωf = 4m/s

ωi = 0

t= 8s

ωf = ωi + α t

4= 0+ α * 8

α = 4/8 = 0.5 m/s2]

Q2. Consider an object in a rotational motion. The angular displacement of the object is given by the equation θ = 3πt2 + πt + 6π + 2 Find the angular velocity and angular acceleration of the object.

Given:

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The angular velocity is given by

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The angular acceleration of the object is

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What is orbital angular acceleration?

An object moving in an orbital motion with focus at the center making an angle θ on displacement.

The change in the angular velocity of the object in an orbital motion due to varying angles with respect to time is called the orbital angular acceleration.

Click to read more on 16+ Change In Acceleration Examples.

Also Read:

How To Find Constant Angular Acceleration: Problems And Examples

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Angular acceleration is a key concept in rotational motion, describing how quickly an object’s angular velocity changes over time. In this blog post, we will explore how to find constant angular acceleration, which occurs when the angular acceleration remains the same throughout the motion. We will discuss the formulas, calculation steps, and provide worked-out examples to help you understand and apply this concept effectively.

How to Calculate Constant Angular Acceleration

Constant Angular Acceleration Formula

To calculate constant angular acceleration, we can use the following formula:

 \alpha = \frac{{\Delta \omega}}{{\Delta t}}

Where:
 \alpha represents the constant angular acceleration,
 \Delta \omega is the change in angular velocity, and
 \Delta t is the change in time.

Steps to Calculate Constant Angular Acceleration

how to find constant angular acceleration
Image by Cdang – Wikimedia Commons, Wikimedia Commons, Licensed under CC0.

The following steps outline how to calculate constant angular acceleration:

  1. Determine the initial angular velocity ( \omega_i ) and final angular velocity ( \omega_f ).
  2. Determine the initial time ( t_i ) and final time ( t_f ).
  3. Calculate the change in angular velocity ( \Delta \omega ) by subtracting the initial angular velocity from the final angular velocity:  \Delta \omega = \omega_f - \omega_i .
  4. Calculate the change in time ( \Delta t ) by subtracting the initial time from the final time:  \Delta t = t_f - t_i .
  5. Use the constant angular acceleration formula mentioned earlier to find the value of angular acceleration ( \alpha ) by dividing the change in angular velocity by the change in time:  \alpha = \frac{{\Delta \omega}}{{\Delta t}} .

Worked Out Example: Calculating Constant Angular Acceleration

Let’s consider an example to illustrate how to calculate constant angular acceleration.

Suppose a disc starts from rest and rotates with an angular velocity of 20 rad/s after 5 seconds. We need to find the constant angular acceleration.

Given:
– Initial angular velocity ( \omega_i ) = 0 rad/s
– Final angular velocity ( \omega_f ) = 20 rad/s
– Initial time ( t_i ) = 0 s
– Final time ( t_f ) = 5 s

Step 1: Determine the change in angular velocity:
 \Delta \omega = \omega_f - \omega_i = 20 - 0 = 20 \, \text{rad/s}

Step 2: Determine the change in time:
 \Delta t = t_f - t_i = 5 - 0 = 5 \, \text{s}

Step 3: Calculate the constant angular acceleration:
 \alpha = \frac{{\Delta \omega}}{{\Delta t}} = \frac{{20}}{{5}} = 4 \, \text{rad/s}^2

Therefore, the constant angular acceleration of the disc is 4 rad/s^2.

How to Determine Angular Acceleration with Angular Velocity

Relationship between Angular Velocity and Angular Acceleration

Angular velocity and angular acceleration are closely related. If the angular acceleration is constant, we can determine the angular acceleration using the initial and final angular velocities, along with the time taken.

The relationship between angular velocity ( \omega ), angular acceleration ( \alpha ), and time ( t ) can be described by the equation:

 \omega_f = \omega_i + \alpha t

Where:
 \omega_i and  \omega_f are the initial and final angular velocities, respectively,
 \alpha is the constant angular acceleration, and
 t is the time taken.

Steps to Determine Angular Acceleration using Angular Velocity

how to find constant angular acceleration

Image by Pradana Aumars – Wikimedia Commons, Wikimedia Commons, Licensed under CC0.

To determine the angular acceleration using angular velocity, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the initial angular velocity ( \omega_i ), final angular velocity ( \omega_f ), and time ( t ).
  2. Substitute the given values into the equation  \omega_f = \omega_i + \alpha t .
  3. Rearrange the equation to solve for the angular acceleration ( \alpha ):  \alpha = \frac{{\omega_f - \omega_i}}{{t}} .

Worked Out Example: Finding Angular Acceleration with Angular Velocity

Let’s work through an example to understand how to find the angular acceleration using angular velocity.

Suppose a wheel starts with an initial angular velocity of 10 rad/s and reaches a final angular velocity of 30 rad/s in 5 seconds. We want to determine the angular acceleration.

Given:
– Initial angular velocity ( \omega_i ) = 10 rad/s
– Final angular velocity ( \omega_f ) = 30 rad/s
– Time ( t ) = 5 s

Step 1: Use the equation  \omega_f = \omega_i + \alpha t with the given values:
30 = 10 +  \alpha × 5

Step 2: Rearrange the equation to solve for  \alpha :
 \alpha = \frac{{\omega_f - \omega_i}}{{t}} = \frac{{30 - 10}}{{5}} = 4 \, \text{rad/s}^2

Thus, the angular acceleration of the wheel is 4 rad/s^2.

Understanding how to find constant angular acceleration is essential for analyzing rotational motion. By using the constant angular acceleration formula and the relationship between angular velocity and angular acceleration, you can determine the angular acceleration of an object. Remember to follow the steps we discussed and utilize the provided formulas when solving problems involving constant angular acceleration. Practice applying these concepts with different examples, and you’ll soon become proficient in calculating and understanding constant angular acceleration.

How can the concept of constant angular acceleration be applied to finding the angular acceleration of a wheel?

The process of finding the angular acceleration of a wheel involves understanding the concept of constant angular acceleration. By analyzing the angular motion of the wheel and considering factors such as its radius and linear acceleration, it is possible to determine the angular acceleration. For a detailed guide on how to find the angular acceleration of a wheel, you can refer to the article on Finding angular acceleration of a wheel.

Numerical Problems on how to find constant angular acceleration

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Problem 1:

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A wheel starts from rest and accelerates with a constant angular acceleration of 2 rad/s^2 for a time interval of 5 seconds. Find the angular velocity of the wheel at the end of the time interval.

Solution:

Given:
Initial angular velocity, \omega_i = 0 rad/s
Angular acceleration, \alpha = 2 rad/s^2
Time, t = 5 s

Using the formula for angular velocity with constant angular acceleration:

[\omega_f = \omega_i + \alpha \cdot t]

Substituting the given values:

[\omega_f = 0 + 2 \cdot 5]

Simplifying:

[\omega_f = 10 \text{ rad/s}]

Therefore, the angular velocity of the wheel at the end of the time interval is 10 rad/s.

Problem 2:

A spinning top starts from rest and accelerates with a constant angular acceleration of 1.5 rad/s^2. If it takes 8 seconds for the top to reach a certain angular velocity, find the final angular velocity.

Solution:

Given:
Initial angular velocity, \omega_i = 0 rad/s
Angular acceleration, \alpha = 1.5 rad/s^2
Time, t = 8 s

Using the formula for angular velocity with constant angular acceleration:

[\omega_f = \omega_i + \alpha \cdot t]

Substituting the given values:

[\omega_f = 0 + 1.5 \cdot 8]

Simplifying:

[\omega_f = 12 \text{ rad/s}]

Therefore, the final angular velocity of the spinning top is 12 rad/s.

Problem 3:

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A flywheel starts from rest and accelerates with a constant angular acceleration of 4 rad/s^2. If the angular displacement covered by the flywheel in a certain time interval is 10 radians, find the time interval.

Solution:

Given:
Initial angular velocity, \omega_i = 0 rad/s
Angular acceleration, \alpha = 4 rad/s^2
Angular displacement, \theta = 10 radians

Using the formula for angular displacement with constant angular acceleration:

[\theta = \omega_i \cdot t + \frac{1}{2} \alpha \cdot t^2]

Rearranging the equation:

[\frac{1}{2} \alpha \cdot t^2 + \omega_i \cdot t - \theta = 0]

Substituting the given values:

[\frac{1}{2} \cdot 4 \cdot t^2 + 0 \cdot t - 10 = 0]

Simplifying:

[2t^2 - 10 = 0]

Solving the quadratic equation, we find t = \pm \sqrt{5}

Since time cannot be negative, the time interval is:

[t = \sqrt{5} \text{ s}]

Therefore, the time interval for the flywheel to cover an angular displacement of 10 radians is approximately \sqrt{5} seconds.

Also Read:

How To Find Tangential Acceleration:7 Use Cases And Problems

Tangential Acceleration from Angular Acceleration

In the world of physics and mathematics, understanding the concept of tangential acceleration is crucial. It plays a significant role in analyzing the motion of objects in circular or rotational motion. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of tangential acceleration in detail, including its definition, importance, and how to calculate it in various scenarios. So, let’s dive in!

How to Find Tangential Acceleration

Definition of Tangential Acceleration

tangential acceleration refers to the rate at which the tangential velocity of an object changes over time in a circular or rotational motion. It is a measure of how quickly an object’s speed or direction changes along the circular path it follows. In simple terms, it represents the acceleration experienced by an object moving in a circle.

Importance of Tangential Acceleration in Physics and Mathematics

tangential acceleration is essential in understanding the dynamics of rotational motion. It helps us analyze and predict how objects move in circular paths, such as planets orbiting the sun, cars taking turns on a racetrack, or even the motion of a spinning top. By considering tangential acceleration, we can determine the forces acting on an object, its velocity, and how it responds to external influences.

The Formula to Find Tangential Acceleration

The formula to calculate tangential acceleration depends on various factors, including angular acceleration, time, and linear velocity. It can be expressed as:

a_t = r \cdot \alpha

Where:
(a_t) represents the tangential acceleration
(r) is the radius of the circular path
(\alpha) denotes the angular acceleration

Now that we have a clear understanding of tangential acceleration let’s explore how to calculate it in different scenarios.

How to Calculate Tangential Acceleration

how to find tangential acceleration
Image by Waglione – Wikimedia Commons, Wikimedia Commons, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Calculating Tangential Acceleration from Angular Acceleration

Tangential Acceleration from Angular Acceleration

To calculate tangential acceleration from angular acceleration, we can use the formula mentioned earlier: (a_t = r \cdot \alpha). Let’s consider an example to illustrate this:

Example 1:
Suppose a particle is moving in a circular path with a radius of 3 meters, and it experiences an angular acceleration of 2 rad/s². To find the tangential acceleration, we can apply the formula:

a_t = 3 \cdot 2

a_t = 6 \, \text{m/s²}

Hence, the tangential acceleration is 6 m/s².

Finding Tangential Acceleration Given Time

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Sometimes, we may need to calculate tangential acceleration when the time is given. In such cases, we can use a different formula based on the initial angular velocity, the angular acceleration, and the time. The formula is:

a_t = \omega_0 + \alpha \cdot t

Where:
– (a_t) represents the tangential acceleration
– (\omega_0) is the initial angular velocity
– (\alpha) denotes the angular acceleration
– (t) is the time

Example 2:
Let’s consider a scenario where an object starts from rest and experiences an angular acceleration of 5 rad/s² for a duration of 2 seconds. The initial angular velocity omega_0 is 0. By substituting the given values, we can calculate the tangential acceleration:

 

a_t = 0 + 5 \cdot 2

a_t = 10 \, \text{m/s²}

Hence, the tangential acceleration is 10 m/s².

Determining Tangential Acceleration Without Time

In some cases, we may need to determine the tangential acceleration without knowing the time duration. In such situations, we can use equations that involve the angular velocity omega, the radius (r), and the tangential acceleration (at). One such equation is:

 

a_t = \omega^2 \cdot r

Example 3:
Suppose an object is moving in a circular path with a radius of 2 meters and has an angular velocity of 3 rad/s. To find the tangential acceleration, we can use the formula:

a_t = 3^2 \cdot 2

a_t = 18 \, \text{m/s²}

Therefore, the tangential acceleration is 18 m/s².

Now that we have covered the basics of calculating tangential acceleration, let’s explore how to solve it in different scenarios.

How to Solve for Tangential Acceleration in Different Scenarios

Finding Tangential Acceleration in Circular Motion

Tangential Acceleration in Circular Motion

When dealing with circular motion, tangential acceleration is an important parameter to consider. It helps us understand how objects accelerate along the circular path. In circular motion, tangential acceleration is always directed towards the center of the circle. The magnitude of tangential acceleration depends on factors like angular acceleration, radius, and linear velocity.

Determining Tangential Acceleration of a Pendulum

tangential acceleration of a pendulum

A pendulum is an excellent example where tangential acceleration comes into play. When a pendulum swings back and forth, the bob experiences tangential acceleration. The magnitude of tangential acceleration is determined by the length of the pendulum, the angle it swings, and the gravitational acceleration.

Calculating Tangential Acceleration in Vertical Circular Motion

Tangential Acceleration in Vertical Circular Motion

In vertical circular motion, the tangential acceleration helps us understand how objects accelerate or decelerate as they move up or down along the circular path. The tangential acceleration in vertical circular motion varies depending on the location of the object in the circular path. At the topmost point, the tangential acceleration is directed downward, while at the bottommost point, it is directed upwards.

How to Find Tangential Velocity and Speed with Centripetal Acceleration

how to find tangential acceleration
Image by Stannered – Wikimedia Commons, Wikimedia Commons, Licensed under CC0.

Finding Tangential Velocity with Centripetal Acceleration and Radius

tangential velocity represents the linear velocity of an object moving along a circular path. It is related to centripetal acceleration (the acceleration towards the center of the circle) and the radius of the circular path. The formula to calculate tangential velocity is:

v_t = a_c \cdot r

Where:
(v_t) represents the tangential velocity
(a_c) is the centripetal acceleration
(r) denotes the radius

Calculating Tangential Speed with Centripetal Acceleration

tangential speed refers to the magnitude of the tangential velocity. It represents how fast an object is moving along a circular path. To calculate tangential speed, we need to know the tangential acceleration and the time it takes for the object to complete one revolution around the circle. The formula for tangential speed is:

 

s_t = a_t \cdot t

Where:
(s_t) represents the tangential speed
(a_t) is the tangential acceleration
(t) denotes the time

How to Find Tangential Component of Linear Acceleration

how to find tangential acceleration
Image by User:Stannered – Wikimedia Commons, Wikimedia Commons, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Finding Tangential Acceleration from Radial Acceleration

In certain cases, we may need to determine the tangential acceleration from the radial acceleration. Radial acceleration is the component of acceleration directed towards or away from the center of the circle. It is perpendicular to the tangential acceleration. To find the tangential acceleration from radial acceleration, we can use the following formula:

 

a_t = \sqrt{a^2 - a_r^2}

Where:
(a_t) represents the tangential acceleration
(a_r) is the radial acceleration

Calculating Tangential Acceleration from Tangential Velocity

In some scenarios, we may need to find the tangential acceleration using the tangential velocity and the time taken to change the velocity. The formula to calculate tangential acceleration in such cases is:

 

a_t = \frac{{v_f - v_i}}{t}

Where:
(a_t) represents the tangential acceleration
(v_f) is the final tangential velocity
(v_i) denotes the initial tangential velocity
(t) is the time

Determining Tangential Acceleration from Velocity

Sometimes, we may need to find the tangential acceleration when only the velocity of the object is known. In such cases, we can use the following formula:

 

a_t = \frac{{v^2}}{r}

Where:
(a_t) represents the tangential acceleration
(v) is the tangential velocity
(r) denotes the radius

How to Find Acceleration Tangential and Normal

When an object moves in a circular path, it experiences two types of acceleration: tangential acceleration and radial or centripetal acceleration. tangential acceleration is responsible for the change in the object’s speed or direction along the circular path, while radial acceleration keeps the object moving towards the center of the circle. The sum of these two accelerations gives the total acceleration of the object.

How to Find Direction of Tangential Acceleration

The direction of tangential acceleration is determined by the change in the object’s velocity along the circular path. It always points tangent to the circular path, either in the same direction as the motion or in the opposite direction, depending on whether the object is accelerating or decelerating.

Multivariable Questions on Tangential Acceleration

How to Find Tangential Acceleration with Multiple Variables

In more complex scenarios, we may come across questions that involve multiple variables to find the tangential acceleration. To solve these problems, we need to carefully analyze the given information, identify the relevant formulas, and apply them step by step. Let’s consider an example:

Example 4:
Suppose an object is moving along a circular path with a radius of 5 meters. The object’s tangential velocity is 10 m/s, and the time taken to complete one revolution is 4 seconds. To find the tangential acceleration, we can use the formula:

 

a_t = \frac{{v_f - v_i}}{t}

Substituting the given values:

a_t = \frac{{10 - 0}}{4}

a_t = \frac{{10}}{4}

a_t = 2.5 \, \text{m/s²}

Hence, the tangential acceleration is 2.5 m/s².

Quick Facts :

Q: What is the concept of tangential acceleration?

A: The concept of tangential acceleration is related to the acceleration of an object moving in a circular path. It can be understood as the rate of change in the speed of the object along its tangential direction. It is known as tangential acceleration because the direction of the acceleration vector is tangential to the direction of the velocity vector at any given point.

Q: What is the formula for tangential acceleration?

A: The formula for tangential acceleration is a = r * α, where ‘a’ represents the tangential acceleration, ‘r’ is the radius, and ‘α’ represents the angular acceleration of the object. It is the product of the radius of the motion and the angular acceleration.

Q: How does tangential acceleration relate to uniform circular motion?

A: In uniform circular motion, the magnitude of the velocity remains constant but the direction of the velocity changes continuously. Hence, there is an additional acceleration acting along the radius towards the center, known as centripetal acceleration. If the object executing circular motion has uniform acceleration, then the tangential acceleration is zero.

Attribute Of Tangential Acceleration Characteristic in Uniform Circular Motion
Presence None (tangential acceleration is zero)
Role Not applicable (since speed is constant)
Direction No direction (as there is no tangential acceleration)
Magnitude 0 m/s² (no change in the magnitude of velocity)
Effect on Speed No effect (speed is constant)
Effect on Trajectory No effect (trajectory remains circular at constant radius)
Resulting Motion Type Uniform circular motion (constant speed, constant radius)
Necessary Conditions No net force in the tangential direction
Equation a_t = 0

Q: What’s the difference between radial and tangential acceleration?

Attribute Radial (Centripetal) Acceleration Tangential Acceleration
Vector Relationship Always points radially inward regardless of the object’s motion direction. Aligned with the instantaneous direction of velocity change, either forward or backward along the path.
Dependence on Velocity Depends on the square of the tangential velocity (speed) and inversely on the radius of curvature. Directly related to the rate of change of the object’s speed, irrespective of its path curvature.
Role in Circular Motion Provides the necessary force component to keep an object in a circular path without influencing the object’s speed. Responsible for the change in speed of an object in circular motion, without affecting the radius of the path.
Independence from Speed Independent of changes in the object’s speed; an object in uniform circular motion has constant radial acceleration. Directly dependent on changes in speed; without a change in speed, tangential acceleration is nonexistent.
Represented in Equations Prominently features in Newton’s second law for rotational motion (F=ma_r) when considering the force necessary for circular motion. Featured in the kinematic equations of motion when an object’s speed is changing.
Measurement Measured in terms of centripetal force required per unit mass to maintain the circular path (N/kg or m/s²). Measured as the rate of change of speed, indicating how quickly an object accelerates or decelerates (m/s²).
In Rotational Dynamics Analogous to force in linear dynamics, but for rotating systems, it represents the radial force per mass needed to maintain rotation. Analogous to the force component in linear dynamics that causes a change in kinetic energy due to speed variation.
Work Done Does no work because the radial acceleration is perpendicular to the displacement of the object in circular motion. Does work as it is in the direction of displacement, contributing to a change in the kinetic energy of the object.
Effect on Angular Momentum Does not change the angular momentum of an object in a closed system since there is no torque involved. Can change the angular momentum if it is associated with a torque, affecting the rotational speed.
Energy Consideration Since it doesn’t change the speed, it doesn’t directly contribute to a change in kinetic energy; it affects potential energy in a gravitational field. Directly affects kinetic energy as it changes the speed; in a gravitational field, it can also affect potential energy.

Q: What does tangential acceleration tell us?

A: Tangential acceleration gives us an idea about how rapidly the speed of an object is changing with time in the tangential direction. If tangential acceleration is positive, the object is speeding up. If it is negative, the object is slowing down.

Q: How does the tangential acceleration formula apply to solving problems?

A: The tangential acceleration formula is particularly useful in cases where an object moves in a circular path and its speed changes at a uniform rate. It helps calculate the change in speed at any given point of time. The formula can be applied directly or by integrating the equation if the angular acceleration is not constant.

Q: Could you provide a solved example using the tangential acceleration formula?

A: Sure. Suppose an object is moving on a circular path of radius 4 meters with an angular acceleration of 2 rad/s². The tangential acceleration (a) would be a = r * α = 4 m * 2 rad/s² = 8 m/s². Here, we’ve used the formula for tangential acceleration to calculate the acceleration of the object.

Q: What is the relationship between total acceleration, centripetal and tangential acceleration?

A: The total acceleration of an object moving in a circular path is the vector sum of the centripetal and tangential acceleration. Mathematically, total acceleration = √((centripetal acceleration)² + (tangential acceleration)²). The centripetal acceleration is directed towards the center of the circle, whereas the tangential acceleration is in the tangent direction to the circle at that point.

Q: How are the tangential acceleration and the velocity vector related?

A: The velocity vector of an object executing circular motion has two components: the radial and the tangential. And tangential acceleration has an effect on the magnitude of the velocity vector along the tangential direction. If there is any tangential acceleration, it means that the magnitude of the velocity vector is changing.

How can tangential acceleration and angular acceleration be related?

To understand the relationship between tangential acceleration and angular acceleration, it is important to consider the concept of Finding Angular Acceleration of a Wheel. Angular acceleration refers to the rate at which the angular velocity of a rotating object changes over time. On the other hand, tangential acceleration refers to the linear acceleration experienced by an object moving in a circular path. These two concepts are interconnected because the tangential acceleration of a point on a rotating object is related to the angular acceleration of the object. By understanding how tangential acceleration and angular acceleration are connected, we can gain insights into the dynamics of rotational motion.

Q: What are the applications of tangential acceleration in real life?

Tangential Acceleration in Vertical Circular Motion-application

A: Tangential acceleration has many practical applications in real-life situations such as turning of vehicles where the speed changes due to tangential acceleration. It’s used in the dynamics of rotational motions such as gears, pulleys, and wheels. It’s also applicable in the field of astronomy for studying the planetary motion of celestial objects.

Also Read:

How To Find Acceleration In Velocity Time Graph: Problems And Examples

acceleration in velocity time graph 0

How to Find Acceleration in Velocity-Time Graph

Understanding the Basics of Velocity-Time Graph

When studying the motion of an object, it is often helpful to analyze its velocity as a function of time. A velocity-time graph, also known as a V-T graph, provides a graphical representation of an object’s velocity over a specific time interval. The graph consists of a horizontal time axis and a vertical velocity axis. By examining the shape and characteristics of the graph, we can gain valuable insights into the object’s motion.

In a velocity-time graph, the slope of the line represents the object’s acceleration. Acceleration is the rate at which an object’s velocity changes over time. It indicates how quickly the object is speeding up or slowing down. When the velocity-time graph has a straight line, the acceleration is constant. A steeper slope indicates a higher acceleration, while a shallower slope represents a lower acceleration.

Importance of Acceleration in Velocity-Time Graph

Acceleration is a fundamental concept in physics that helps us understand the changes in an object’s motion. By examining the acceleration in a velocity-time graph, we can determine whether an object is accelerating, decelerating, or moving at a constant velocity. This information is crucial for analyzing various physical phenomena, including the motion of vehicles, projectiles, and celestial bodies.

Calculating the acceleration in a velocity-time graph allows us to quantify the rate at which an object’s velocity is changing. This information helps us predict an object’s future motion, determine the forces acting upon it, and analyze its overall dynamics.

Steps to Calculate Acceleration in Velocity-Time Graph

how to find acceleration in velocity time graph
Image by Pradana Aumars – Wikimedia Commons, Wikimedia Commons, Licensed under CC0.
acceleration in velocity time graph 3

To calculate acceleration using a velocity-time graph, follow these steps:

1. Identifying Key Points on the Graph

Examine the velocity-time graph and identify two key points: the initial velocity (vi) and the final velocity (vf). The initial velocity represents the object’s velocity at the beginning of the time interval, while the final velocity represents its velocity at the end of the interval.

2. Using the Slope Formula to Calculate Acceleration

The slope of the velocity-time graph represents the object’s acceleration. To calculate the slope, we use the formula:

 text{slope} = frac{text{change in velocity}}{text{change in time}} = frac{v_f - v_i}{t}

where vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, and t is the time interval.

3. Interpreting the Results

Once you have calculated the acceleration using the slope formula, you can interpret the results. A positive acceleration indicates that the object is speeding up, while a negative acceleration indicates that it is slowing down. If the acceleration is zero, the object is moving at a constant velocity.

Worked Out Examples

acceleration in velocity time graph 2

Let’s work through a few examples to solidify our understanding of calculating acceleration in velocity-time graphs.

Example of a Positive Acceleration

Suppose we have a velocity-time graph that shows a straight line with a positive slope. The initial velocity (vi) is 10 m/s, the final velocity (vf) is 30 m/s, and the time interval (t) is 5 seconds.

Using the slope formula, we can calculate the acceleration:

 text{slope} = frac{v_f - v_i}{t} = frac{30 , text{m/s} - 10 , text{m/s}}{5 , text{s}} = frac{20 , text{m/s}}{5 , text{s}} = 4 , text{m/s}^2

Therefore, the object has a positive acceleration of 4 m/s^2, indicating that it is speeding up.

Example of a Negative Acceleration

Now let’s consider a velocity-time graph with a negative slope. The initial velocity (vi) is 20 m/s, the final velocity (vf) is 10 m/s, and the time interval (t) is 2 seconds.

Using the slope formula:

 text{slope} = frac{v_f - v_i}{t} = frac{10 , text{m/s} - 20 , text{m/s}}{2 , text{s}} = frac{-10 , text{m/s}}{2 , text{s}} = -5 , text{m/s}^2

In this case, the object has a negative acceleration of -5 m/s^2, indicating that it is slowing down.

Example of Zero Acceleration

Finally, let’s examine a velocity-time graph with a horizontal line. This line represents a constant velocity. If the initial velocity (vi) is 15 m/s, the final velocity (vf) is also 15 m/s, and the time interval (t) is 4 seconds, the acceleration will be zero.

Using the slope formula:

 text{slope} = frac{v_f - v_i}{t} = frac{15 , text{m/s} - 15 , text{m/s}}{4 , text{s}} = frac{0 , text{m/s}}{4 , text{s}} = 0 , text{m/s}^2

The object has a zero acceleration, indicating that its velocity remains constant.

Common Misconceptions in Calculating Acceleration in Velocity-Time Graph

acceleration in velocity time graph 1

While calculating acceleration in a velocity-time graph, it is crucial to avoid common misconceptions. Let’s address a few of them:

Misconception about the Slope

Some people may mistakenly assume that the slope of a velocity-time graph represents the velocity instead of the acceleration. Remember, the slope represents the change in velocity over time, which gives us the acceleration.

Misconception about the Area under the Graph

Another misconception is that the area under a velocity-time graph directly provides the acceleration. However, the area under the graph represents the displacement or distance traveled, not the acceleration.

Misconception about the Time Interval

People sometimes assume that the time interval for calculating acceleration should be the entire duration of the graph. However, the time interval should only include the specific segment for which you want to calculate the acceleration.

Understanding how to find acceleration in a velocity-time graph is essential for analyzing an object’s motion. By identifying key points on the graph and using the slope formula, we can determine the acceleration and gain valuable insights into the object’s dynamics. Remember to be aware of common misconceptions to ensure accurate calculations.

How can we find acceleration and velocity using velocity-time graphs and constant acceleration?

To understand the concept of finding acceleration and velocity using velocity-time graphs and constant acceleration, we can explore the article on How to Find Acceleration in Velocity-Time Graph. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the steps involved in determining acceleration from a velocity-time graph. Additionally, to understand the connection between acceleration and velocity, you can refer to the article on Finding Velocity with Constant Acceleration. This article elucidates the process of calculating velocity when the acceleration remains constant. By integrating these two concepts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between velocity and acceleration in dynamic systems.

Numerical Problems on how to find acceleration in velocity time graph

Problem 1:

how to find acceleration in velocity time graph
Image by MikeRun – Wikimedia Commons, Wikimedia Commons, Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

A car accelerates uniformly from rest to a velocity of 40 m/s in 10 seconds. Find the acceleration of the car.

Solution:

Given:
Initial velocity, u = 0 , text{m/s}
Final velocity, v = 40 , text{m/s}
Time taken, t = 10 , text{s}

The acceleration (a) can be found using the formula:

 a = frac{{v - u}}{{t}}

Substituting the given values, we have:

 a = frac{{40 - 0}}{{10}}

Simplifying the equation, we get:

 a = frac{{40}}{{10}}

Therefore, the acceleration of the car is 4 , text{m/s}^2.

Problem 2:

A train starts from rest and accelerates uniformly. It covers a distance of 200 m in 10 seconds. Find the acceleration of the train.

Solution:

Given:
Initial velocity, u = 0 , text{m/s}
Distance covered, s = 200 , text{m}
Time taken, t = 10 , text{s}

The acceleration (a) can be found using the formula:

 a = frac{{2(s - ut)}}{{t^2}}

Substituting the given values, we have:

 a = frac{{2(200 - 0 cdot 10)}}{{10^2}}

Simplifying the equation, we get:

 a = frac{{2 cdot 200}}{{100}}

Therefore, the acceleration of the train is 4 , text{m/s}^2.

Problem 3:

A particle is moving with a constant acceleration. Its initial velocity is 10 m/s and it covers a distance of 100 m in 5 seconds. Find the acceleration of the particle.

Solution:

Given:
Initial velocity, u = 10 , text{m/s}
Distance covered, s = 100 , text{m}
Time taken, t = 5 , text{s}

The acceleration (a) can be found using the formula:

 a = frac{{2(s - ut)}}{{t^2}}

Substituting the given values, we have:

 a = frac{{2(100 - 10 cdot 5)}}{{5^2}}

Simplifying the equation, we get:

 a = frac{{2 cdot 50}}{{25}}

Therefore, the acceleration of the particle is 4 , text{m/s}^2.

Also Read:

Is Velocity Zero At The Highest Point: When, How, Why, Problems And Facts

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In this article, we will talk about zero velocity, is velocity zero at the highest point, reason, and various facts.

The object accelerates in the upward direction with kinetic energy, its kinetic energy is converted into potential energy and has the highest potential energy once nil kinetic energy remains with the object and thus the velocity of the object becomes zero.

What is zero velocity?

The velocity is the rate of a shift in the position in a given time.

The velocity of the object is zero if the object tends to remain fixed at one position during a certain time or an object returns back to its initial position after displacement.

Position-Time Graph for Zero Velocity

On the position-time graph, the velocity of the object is zero if the slope of a graph is parallel to the x-axis.

The following graph explains the same.

is velocity zero at the highest point
Position-Time Graph for an object at rest

The above graph shows at the position of the object remain unchanged all the time. Hence the velocity of the object is zero.

It is also true when the object returns back to the position from where it had started its journey. It is clearly indicated in the below graph.

is velocity zero at the highest point
Position-Time Graph for an object returns back to the original position

The above graph shows that the object was displaced from x1 to x2, but then returns back to x1 after a certain time duration. Hence, the change in a position now becomes zero and therefore the velocity is also equal to zero.

Read more on Zero Velocity: What, How, When, Examples And Problems.

Why is Velocity Zero at the Highest Point?

As the object goes higher and higher above the ground surface, it stores the energy in the form of potential energy.

Once all the kinetic energy of the object is converted into the potential energy, the object does not accelerate further but is held there for a few seconds until exerts a force due to gravity which pulls the object towards itself.

The object then returns down towards the ground on converting the potential energy that it has gained into kinetic energy.

Zero Horizontal Velocity of an Object in a projectile motion

An object in a projectile motion moves in two dimensions, x-direction and y-direction.

image 63
The projectile motion of an object

Initially, when the object starts its journey from its origin, we have both horizontal velocity as well as vertical velocity. Once it attains the highest point where all of its kinetic energy is converted into the potential energy it stops accelerating for a while and continues to move in the horizontal direction rather than the vertical route, and then due to gravity accelerates down.

What happens to the object when its velocity becomes zero at the highest point?

The object is held at rest for the smallest duration of time when its velocity becomes zero.

When the object reaches the highest point in its flight, the kinetic energy of the object becomes zero and has the highest potential energy that it can have.

The variation of the energy of the object is shown in the below diagram.

is velocity zero at the highest point
A boy kicking a football

It is seen that the ball has the maximum kinetic energy on kicking which goes on decreasing as the ball attains height. The decreasing kinetic energy is converted into the potential energy and is the maximum when the ball reaches the highest point.

The velocity of the ball is the maximum during its initial flight.

At the highest point K.E. =0; that is

1/2mv2=0

Since mass is conserved, it is evident that the velocity of the object is zero at this point.

v2=0

The energy of the object is conserved during its flight. The initial kinetic energy is converted to potential energy until the kinetic energy of the object has vanished, and then the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

The velocity of the object in a flight above the surface due to gravity is

gif

When the ball has the maximum potential energy it tends to occupy the space at its highest point once all its kinetic energy is converted into potential energy. It is only because the gravitational pull of the Earth exerted on the object, pulls the object down to the surface. Hence, the object observes the freefall and accelerates downward.

Problem1: Calculate the kinetic energy and the potential energy of the object of mass 5 kg hanging above the ground at a height of 100 meters.

Solution: The height of the object from the ground is h=100m.

The mass of the object m=5kg

The potential energy of the object is given by the equation

V=mgh

=5kg x 9.8m/s2 x100=4900

=4.9k Joules

The potential energy associated with the object is 4.9kJoules.

The velocity of the objectis zero. Hence, the kinetic energy of the object is

K.E.=1/2mv2=1/2m x 0=0

The kinetic energy of the object is zero.

Problem 2: Consider the same object tied at a height of 100 meters from above the ground that is slightly drifted by the high wind speed. Find the change in potential energy of the object if it displaces its position 10cm in 2 seconds.

Given: Displacement x=10 cms=0.10m, time t=2 seconds

v= Δx/Δt = 0.1/2 = 0.05m/s

The kinetic energy of the object now is

K.E.= 1/2mv2= 1/2 x 5 x (0.05)2

=1/2 x 5 x 0.0025=0.00625 Joules

The potential energy of the object at a height of 100 meters was 4.9kJoules.

When the object sets into motion, the potential energy of the object is converted into kinetic energy.

Thus the potential energy associated with the object after the object displaces 10cm from the above height will be

P.E. = P.E.initial – K.E. = (4.9k-0.00625)J = 4.89k Joules

Read more on the Potential Energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the velocity of the object falling down from the height is negative?

The velocity of the object due to gravity varying with height is given by the formula

gif

As the difference between the final and the initial height becomes negative due to decreasing height, the velocity of the object falling down is negative.

Is the momentum of the object at the highest point conserved?

The object has momentum associated with it when it is moving with a velocity.

When the object is at the highest point above the surface, the object has no kinetic energy associated with it as the velocity of the object is zero; hence the momentum of the object is also zero.

What is a free fall?

The object after attaining the highest point in its flight and gaining the highest potential energy tends to return back to the surface.

The rapid fall and free movement of the object due to the effect of the gravitational force exerted by the Earth is called the free fall of the object.

Why acceleration of the object at the highest point is zero?

The acceleration will be zero if there is no variation in the velocity of the object.

At the highest point, the object has no kinetic energy where all of its kinetic energy is converted into the potential energy, and therefore the velocity is zero and the object does not accelerate.

Also Read:

17 Constant Velocity Example: Detailed Explanation And Facts

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In this article, we will discuss various examples of constant velocity with detailed explanations, and facts.

The following is a list of constant velocity examples:-

Object in a circular motion

An object moving in a circular path of radius ‘r’ elapses a distance of 2πr on each round with angular velocity ω.

Consider an object in a circular motion that covers a distance ‘s’ in a certain time interval ‘t’. Let ‘θ’ be an angle made by the particle displacing from its initial position.

image 59
The motion of an object in a circular motion

The linear velocity of the particle is a change in the position of the object in time t.

v=s / t

‘s’ is a displacement of a particle which is an arc length and can be calculated as a product of angle made by the particle on displacement and the radius of the circle.

s= θr

On substituting this in the above equation, we have

v=rθ/ t

Since the angular velocity is equal to the change in angle with respect to time; we can rewrite the equation as

v=rω

Where ω is an angular velocity

The angular velocity of the object is constant if the linear velocity of the object remains constant.

Motion of an object due to Centripetal Force

The object in a centripetal motion exerts the centripetal force which is acting towards the center of the circular path and the linear velocity of the object remains perpendicular to the centripetal force.

The centripetal force exerted on the object in a circular motion is given by the equation

F=mv2/r

Where r is the radius of the circular path

V is a linear velocity

M is a mass of the particle

If there is an external force acting on the object that keeps the object in the circular motion the

ma=mv2/r

a=v2/r

v2=ar

image 117

Hence, the velocity of the object is constant if the angular acceleration of the object is constant.

Revolution of a moon around the Earth

The velocity of a moon revolving around the Earth is almost at a constant rate. The moon completes one revolution around the Earth in 27.3 days which is equal to T=27.3 x 24 x 60 x 60=23,58,720 seconds

The distance of the moon from the center of the Earth is 3,84,000 km

The distance covered by the moon in one revolution is equal to the circumference of the circular path. Hence, the velocity of the motion is V= 2π r/T

V= 2π x 384000 x 1000/2358720=1022 m/s

The velocity of a moon orbiting around the Earth is 1022m/s and is constant.

A person walking on the street at a constant speed

A man walking on the street at his constant speed will cover an equal distance in an equal interval of time. This can be an example of a constant velocity.

Drawing water from a well with the help of a pulley

While drawing water from a well using a pulley, the force is applied downward but the reaction force is in the upward direction. The velocity of the bucket lifting up depends upon the length of the rope stretched on every pull.

The length of the rope that is stretched depends upon the movement of the arm and the length of the hand. Hence the velocity of the bucket and the angular acceleration of the pulley will be constant.

A ray of light

A light travels in a straight line at a constant speed of 3 x 108 m/s. A light shows various other phenomena in nature like scattering, dispersion, reflection, refraction, total internal refraction, interference, diffraction, etc.

The speed of light is equal to the product of the wavelength of the light and the frequency of the electromagnetic wave as c=fλ.

Speed of the object in a vacuum

If the object falls in the vacuum, it accelerates at a constant speed and experiences a free fall. All the objects in the vacuum will move at the same speed irrespective of their shape, size, density, or weight. The velocity of the object in a motion in a vacuum is constant.

Sound wave

The sound wave travels at a speed of 332m/s at normal temperature and pressure conditions. The speed of sound is determined by the distance traveled by the sound waves in a certain time duration.

The velocity of a sound wave varies depending upon the density of different mediums and sound waves travel at a constant rate.

Clock

The minute hand, an hour hand, and a second hand on the clock move at a constant speed. The point at the center where all the hands are attached resembles an instantaneous central point.

A clock measures angle of 360 degrees and each minute on the clock is equal to 1 degree. A second-hand travels 360 degrees in one minute, hence the speed of the second hand is

sec

A minute hand covers 360 degrees in 1 hour, hence the velocity of the minute hand is

min

An hour hand displaces 30 degrees in 1 hour, therefore the velocity of an hour hand is

min

A car traveling on a road at constant speed

A car moving at a constant speed will elapse equal distance in an equal duration of time hence is an example of constant velocity. The velocity of a car is measured as the ratio distance covered by the car from its initial position to reach a certain distance in time ‘t’.

A ball moving on a plane surface

A ball can travel at the same speed unless exerts an external force that makes increases or decreases the speed of the ball to displace its position.

Fan

A fan rotating at a constant speed gives a constant angular velocity until the speed of the fan is changed.

Hourglass

A sand-filled hourglass is dropped down from the hole at a constant velocity.

The hourglass is designed such that the frictional forces due to sand and glass are canceled and the constant pressure is exerted on the hole that makes the sand drop down from the hole. The sand filled in glass drops at a constant rate and is hence used as a timer.

Train

A train is an example of a constant velocity, which elapses the same distance in a certain interval of time.

Electric vehicles without gears

Electric vehicles work on electric energy. A vehicle without gear will move at the same speed and in the front direction only.

Photon

A photon being a light particle is easily carried away and moves with the speed of light. The velocity of a photon is constant.

Birds Flying

The velocity of the birds is mostly constant while they are flying. Most of the birds are observed to sway at constant velocity. Therefore, we can estimate the expected date and time of birds venturing from the far locations.

What is constant velocity?

The velocity of the object is defined as the rate of change of position of an object in a fixed interval of time.

If the distance elapsed by the object in a given time interval will be constant for every time interval then the velocity of the object will be constant.

gif

Hence,

x2-x1=Constant

For the velocity to be constant, the change in the position of the object has to be constant along with time.

Read more on Constant Velocity.

Position-Time Graph for constant velocity

The displacement of the object in time is represented in the following position-time graph.

constant velocity example
Position-Time Graph

The slope of the position-time graph gives the velocity of the object between the two time intervals while displacing from one position to another. The slope of the graph is linear and is constant throughout the slope.

Read more on How To Calculate Negative Velocity: Example And Problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. If an object is traveling at a constant velocity of 12m/s, then calculate the distance covered by the object after 1 minute.

Solution: 1 minute=60 seconds

The distance covered by the object in 60 seconds traveling at a speed of 12m/s will be

= 12m/s\times 60s=720m

Hence, the distance traveled by the object in 1 minute is 720m.

How does a graph of velocity v/s time will looks like for a constant velocity?

An object with constant velocity will travel in a straight line covering an equal distance in a given time interval.

Since the velocity of the object will be constant all the time, the acceleration of the object which is a slope of the graph will be zero. This implies that the slope of the graph will be a straight line.

Also Read:

Zero Average Velocity: What, How, When, Examples And Problems

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In this article, we will talk about the zero average velocity along with some examples, and solve some problems.

When the object is at a rest or after displacement tends to return back to the same initial position, then the average velocity of the object is zero.

What is Average Velocity?

The velocity of the object can be determined if there is a displacement of the object in a given time.

The sum of all the velocities of the object varied with time divided by the total number of velocities into consideration gives the average velocity of the object along with time.

Problem 1: A car travels from point A to point B which is 20 km apart. A car traveled first 3 km at a speed of 40km/s, next 7 km at a speed of 70km/h, further at 60km/h to a distance of 6 km, and the remaining 4 km at a speed of 40km/h. Calculate the average velocity of a car.

Given: V1=40km/h, V2=70km/h, V3=60km/h, V4=40km/h;

Therefore, the average velocity of the car is

lagrida latex editor 3

The average velocity of the car to cover a distance of 20kms was 52.50 km/h.

When does the Average Velocity Becomes Zero?

The average velocity will become zero if the sum of all the velocity of the velocities of an object is zero.

This is true if the object is stable at rest position and there is no displacement of the object along with time, or else the object is moving front and back with positive and negative velocity, then the average velocity might become zero.

The object accelerates in the reverse direction accompanied by the negative velocity as the displacement is away from the direction of its motion.

An object on decelerating tends to come at a zero velocity and then accelerates back in the opposite direction with positive acceleration.

Let us understand how we can have zero average velocity with positive and negative velocities by solving below the problems.

Problem 2: Consider a bob sliding on a semi-arc slide of length 60 cms, every time when it reaches the edges of a slide its velocity becomes zero, and while sliding down from point A it covers 30cms in 2 sec and while sliding upward from the middle, it covers remaining 30 cms in 3 sec to reach point B. Then what will be the average velocity of a bob to reach back to point A?

Solution: Upon releasing from point A, a bob covers a distance of 30 cms in 2 sec, hence the velocity of the bob is

x1=30cms=0.3m

t1=2 sec

V1=x1/t1=0.30m/2=0.15m/s

The velocity of bob while climbing up the distance of 30 cm in 3 sec is

V2=x2/t2=0.30m/3=0.10m/s

At the edge, the velocity of the bob becomes zero, because the kinetic energy of the bob is converted into a potential energy that tends the bob to held for a while before its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy due to gravity which force its motion downward and hence exerts a free fall of a bob.

V3=0

On reversing the motion, the displacement is in the reverse direction and hence the displacement is negative.

lagrida latex editor 4 1

Hence, the average velocity of the bob is zero.

Read more on Zero-Velocity Surface.

Why is Average Velocity Zero?

The average velocity is simply the distance covered by the object in a given time.

If the object is found to be in the same position after a certain time, irrespective of the work done or the displacement of the object to come back to the original place, then the average velocity of the object will be zero.

This is seen in the circular motion of the object when the object travels in the circular path and reaches the initial point from where the object had started its journey, and also when the object reverses its direction of motion after certain displacement.

Zero Average Velocity Graph

Look at the following position-time graph for the average velocity to be zero.

zero average velocity
Position-Time Graph

The above graph shows the position of the object between the time intervals T1 to T3. The initial position of the object at time T1 was x1 and then displaces to x2 after time T2. Since the displacement of the object is to the higher position from that point, the velocity of the object is positive.

The final displacement of the object brings it back to its initial position, which is x1. As the displacement of the object is to the lower position from its higher position, therefore, the change in displacement of the object is negative and hence the velocity of the object is negative.

The displacement of the object is equal at both the time, and if there is an equal time interval then the velocity of the object is equal and opposite. Therefore, the average velocity of the object will be zero.

Average Velocity Zero Examples

The object at rest, immobile objects, an object moving in a circular path, an object in motion but returning back to the same position, an object accelerating at a point, are some examples of zero average velocity.

If an object accelerates in a particular direction then reverses its direction and moves at the same velocity to reach its initial position then the displacement is zero and the average velocity of the object is zero.

Read more on Zero Velocity: What, How, When, Examples And Problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. The object is initially standing at the position 20m away from the origin which travels 20m further for a few seconds and returns back to its initial position. The same is shown in the below graph. Find the average velocity of the object with reference to the graph.

image 58
Position-Time Graph

Solution:

The velocity of the object between the time interval t1=7 sec and t2=15 sec, the position of the object was x1=20m and x2=40m.

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The initial velocity of the object was 2.5 m/s.

The velocity of the object between the time intervals t2=15 sec and t3=23 sec, the position of the object was x2=40m and x3=20m.

lagrida latex editor 6 1

The final velocity of the object was -2.5m/s.

Therefore, the average velocity of the object is

lagrida latex editor 7 1

The average velocity of the object is zero.

If we measure the velocity of the direction, that from the first and third position of the object, at time t1=7 sec and t3=23 sec, the position of the object was x1=20m and x3=20m,

lagrida latex editor 8 1

The velocity of the object is still zero.

Q2. A man is walking in a circular path with a diameter of 42m. There are two poles on the two opposite sides to each other. Pole A is straight opposite to pole B at a length of 42m. If a man reaches pole B from pole A in 33 seconds then calculate the velocity of a man. Also, calculate the average velocity of a man on reaching back to pole A and again back to pole B.

Given: The diameter of the circular path is 42m.

Therefore, the radius of the circular path is 21m.

The length of the circular path is equal to the circumference of the circle.

c=2πr=2*(22/7)*21=132m

A man reaches pole B from pole A in 33 seconds, which means man covers half of the circular path in 33 seconds.

Distance covered= 132/2=66m.

A man covers 66m in 33 seconds, hence the velocity of a man is

V1=(66-0)/33=2m/s

The velocity of a man to reach back to the pole A

V2=(0-66)/33=-2m/s

Hence average velocity of a man on reaching pole A will be

V=(V1+V2)/2=(2-2)/2=0

On reaching again to pole B, the average velocity of a man now is

v=(V1+V2+V3)/3=(2-2+2)/3=2/3=0.67m/s

The average velocity of a man will keep on decreasing on increasing the number of rounds and will become nearly equal to zero.

What is the difference between the zero velocity and the zero relative velocity?

Both imply the zero velocity of the object and the object is fixed in the frame of reference.

When we say that the object has zero velocity, there is no displacement of the object along time and when we talk about the relative velocity, we are looking at the relative displacement of the object in the two different reference frames.

Does the average speed of the object affect if the average velocity of the object is zero?

The average velocity is the change in displacement of the object in a time, whereas the speed is the distance traveled by the object in a time.

If the object returns back to the same position after displacement then the average velocity of the object will become zero, whereas the average speed of the object will be non-zero, because it only measures a distance covered by the object in the duration of time.

Also Read:

Zero Velocity: What, How, When, Examples And Problems

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In this article, we will discuss what zero velocity is, how and when does it come into the scenario with some examples.

An object standing fixed at a point, or on a rigid body and does not displace with time then the velocity of an object is zero.

What is Zero Velocity?

The velocity of the object is defined as a change in its position along with time.

When there is no displacement of the object, the velocity of the object is said to be zero velocity.

The following graph shows the relation between displacement v/s time for zero velocity.

zero velocity
Displacement-Time Graph

The above graph shows a straight line parallel to the x-axis, which says that the position of the object is the same for all the times; the position of the object does not change. This implies that the object is at rest, which means that the velocity of the object is nil.

When is Velocity Zero?

The object has zero velocity when it does not displace with time.

The velocity of the object is zero when there is no displacement of the object. The position of the object between two different time intervals remains the same.

The velocity is given by the relation v=(Δx/Δt)=(x2-x1)/(t2-t1)

For velocity to be zero =x2-x1; which is understood that the position of the object remains the same. Hence,

v=(x2-x1)/(t2-t1)=0

Problem: A block of mass ‘m’ was displaced at a distance of 300m and reaches point A at 12.05 pm. It was found that at 12.20 pm the block was present on the same position, that is 300 meters away from the original position. Find the velocity of the block.

Given: x1=300, x2=300, t1=12.05, t2=12.20

CodeCogsEqn 73 1

Hence, the velocity of the block is zero.

Zero Velocity Example

Objects at rest, have zero velocity. For example, a ball accelerating comes to a rest, a car climbs up the hill and a driver parks the car there, a coconut fell on the ground, a bird sitting on the branches of a tree, a rock standing on the edge of the mountain, etc.

The objects which are not movable are also examples of zero velocity. Examples are trees, mountains, tables, buildings, chairs, freezers, etc.

What is Zero Group Velocity?

A group, suggests the combination of two or more velocities. The velocity of the object is considered as a form of a wave when it is traveling, hence called a wave velocity.

Two or more waves traveling in a group modulates into a single wave. When the group velocity is zero, the waves diminish into a phase velocity that travels as a single wave, also when it travels through a node or vanishes.

Consider a wave propagating in the x-direction, and then the wave function associated with the wave is

CodeCogsEqn 74 1

Where A is a amplitude of a wave

ω is a angular frequency which is given by the relation ω=2πt=2πf

k is a wave number, given by k=2πλ

λ is a wavelength

f is a frequency

When a single wave is propagating from a medium, then the velocity of that wave is called a phase velocity and is defined as the ratio of the angular frequency of the wave and the wave number, given by the equation

Vphase=ω/k

This is equal to the number of vibrations seen at two different points in the path length of the wave.

When two or more waves overlap and are modulated into a single wave pattern having the same velocity then the resultant velocity on a combination of all the waves forming a group is called group velocity.

Hence it is derivative of all the phase velocities of individual waves, given by the relation

Vgroup=dω/dk

When is Group Velocity Zero?

The group velocity is zero at the nodes of a modulated frequency, and when it overlaps with another wave.

When two waves of the same frequencies interfere with each other from the opposite direction, then the group velocity becomes zero.

The single wavelength of the same frequency and amplitude interfere with the group wave and propagates in the direction opposite to the group wave having the same phase velocity, then the group velocity of the waves vanishes and then merges into a single carrier wave.

Read more on Group Velocity.

Zero Instantaneous Velocity

The instantaneous velocity is stated as the displacement of the object that occurred in a very small time interval along its path.

The instantaneous center velocity is zero for the mass at the center of the object which is traveling along with the object moving at a certain velocity.

The instantaneous velocity is given by the formula

CodeCogsEqn 75
  • Where Δt is a small interval of time
  • Vi is Instantaneous Velocity
  • x is a displacement
  • t is a time

If an object accelerating in the x-direction, suddenly falls vertical down in negative y-direction, then the displacement of the object will be zero and hence the instantaneous velocity will be zero.

When is Instantaneous Velocity Zero?

The instantaneous velocity will be zero if there is a quick motion without acceleration in a short span.

If the body is in a motion but a part of it is connected rigidly to a certain point on another object, then the instantaneous velocity of that object is zero at that point.

Some examples of zero instantaneous velocity are an object rotating, skipping the rope with two ends of the rope fixed in hand, a woman doing a hula-hoop where the hula-hoop is in motion while the position of a woman is constant hence the velocity of a woman is nil, a point made by the tire of the vehicle attached to the road, the instantaneous velocity at that point is zero, ladder with clamp, compass and divider, and there are various other examples.

Zero Horizontal Velocity

When the object is in a projectile motion, we come across both horizontal and vertical velocity of the object. When the object does not move parallel to the ground then we have zero horizontal velocity.

The projectile motion of the object is shown in the below graph

image 53
Projectile Motion

The y-axis represents the vertical motion of the object and the x-axis represents the horizontal displacement. The vertical velocity is given by the Sin function whereas the horizontal velocity is given by the Cosine function. When the object attains the highest position in its flight, at this point it has converted all its kinetic energy into potential energy and moves parallel to the surface and the vertical velocity of the object is nil. The object is for a longer duration in the air at this point.

When is Horizontal Velocity Zero?

If there is no horizontal displacement of an object the horizontal velocity will be equal to zero.

For a horizontal velocity to be zero, the object must not be in a projectile motion which is a two-dimensional motion, the object must be directed in a y-axis direction.

Lets us demonstrate zero horizontal velocity with a 2-D plot.

Consider a flight of the object of mass ‘m’ in the vertical direction from a fixed point on the horizontal surface. Consider the x-axis as a horizontal surface and the y-axis perpendicular to the x-axis.

zero velocity
Zero Horizontal Velocity

This position of the object in the horizontal axis remains fixed before and after the flight of the object. The object moves in a vertically upward direction due to kinetic energy, converts all the kinetic energy into potential energy, and returns back to the ground vertically downward without accelerating in a direction parallel to the surface.

Since there is no change in the position of the object even after the flight; the horizontal velocity of the object is zero. On contrary, there is a vertical displacement of the object which increases and decreases with time. Hence, the object is associated with both positive as well as negative velocity and acceleration.

Zero Velocity and Positive Acceleration

The velocity of the object is zero if there is no displacement, and we will have positive acceleration when there is a change in speed and the direction of motion of the object.

Hence, if the direction of the motion of the object changes frequently then the resultant velocity will be zero and the acceleration will be present.

The object decelerating will come to a rest where its velocity becomes zero and then move with the positive acceleration reversing its direction of the previous motion. Henceforth, we can have positive acceleration with zero velocity of the object.

Zero Uniform Velocity Motion

The object is said to have zero uniform velocity when there is no change in its motion with respect to time and it has no direction.

It is similar to the relative velocity where the velocity of the object appears to be constant for an observer moving at the same velocity and direction.

This is when the object is fixed to the rigid body and it does not displace with time and continue to be in the state of rest. The velocity of such an object is zero.

Consider a rectangular slab moving on a horizontal smooth surface. A donut shape articulate is attached on a rectangular slab which is moving along with the slab.

zero velocity
The motion of an object relative to another

As the rectangular slab is displacing from one position to another, the position of the articulate remains fixed on the slab. Hence, the velocity of the articulate is zero.

Zero Relative Velocity

If the two objects are traveling at the same velocity and in the same direction then the relative velocity of each with respect to each other will be zero. This is represented as the zero relative velocity.

If two or more objects are traveling in the same direction then their speed cancels out and if the objects are moving in the opposite direction to each other, then their relative will be the sum of the speed of both the objects.

Let the velocities of two different objects be VA and VB. If these objects are moving in the same direction then their relative velocity is V= VA – VB; and if these objects are moving in the opposite direction, then their relative velocity will become V= VA – (-VB)= VA + VB.

Following is a position-time graph for two objects moving will equal speed and direction with time.

image 56
Position-Time Graph for two bodies in motion

Since, both the objects are moving in the same direction their relative velocity is the vector difference of the velocities of both the objects. As both the objects are moving with the same velocities, the relative velocity of the object with respect to each other will be zero.

Consider two cars, Car A and Car B moving in the same lane driving at the same speed. A driver from car A can see a car B moving along with his car and the velocity of car B with respect to Car A is zero. The same is the case when a driver from Car B looks from his point of reference. Hence, the relative velocity of both cars with respect to each other is zero.

Problem: Consider two friends walking in the park with a velocity of 1.5 m/s. A man who is running at a speed of 2m/s in the park in a circle crosses the girls at a certain point. What is the relative velocity of a girl with respect to each other and that of a man?

Given: Velocity of both the girls VG=1.5m/s

The velocity of a man VM=2m/s

The direction of motion of both the girls in the same direction and velocity is equal.

V= VG-VG=1.5m/s – 1.5m/s=0

Hence, the relative velocity of girls with respect to each other is zero.

A man is also moving in the same direction but with unequal velocity. Therefore relative velocity of a man with that of girls is

V= VG-VM=1.5 m/s – 2 m/s= -0.5 m/s.

Hence, the relative velocity of girls with respect to a man is -0.5m/s which is negative. On the contrary, the relative velocity of a man with respect to girls is 0.5 m/s.

Read more on Negative Velocity And Zero Acceleration: How, When, Example And Problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Find the instantaneous velocity of the object in a planar motion if the displacement of the object is given by the relation 2t3+2t+3 at time t= 5 seconds.

Given: The position of the object x=2t3+2t+3

The instantaneous velocity of the object is given by

CodeCogsEqn 76

The instantaneous velocity of the object is 152 m/s.

Q2. An object travels a distance of 6 meters in 2 seconds and then reverses its direction and moves again 6 meters in 2 seconds. Then calculate the displacement and the velocity of the object.

The object across 6 m in 2s, then the initial velocity of the object is

v1=x/t=6/2=3m/s

Then the object reverses its direction and travels the same distance in equal interval of time, hence the final velocity is

v2=x/t=-6/2=-3m/s

here displacement is negative because the direction of the motion of an object is in the opposite direction.

Hence, the resultant velocity is

V=v2+v1=-3+3=0

Since the resultant velocity of the object is zero, the displacement of the object is nil.

Q3. A ball is thrown in the air goes high vertically at a distance of 10 meters and returns down in the same plane after 10 seconds. Measure the vertical and horizontal velocity of the ball.

The time taken for a flight is 10 seconds and the distance covered by the ball in 10 seconds is 20 meters. Hence the velocity of the ball is

v=x/t=20/10=2m/s

Since there is no motion of an object in the horizontal direction; the horizontal velocity of the object is zero.

VH=0

An object round in shape is moving on a semi arc surface which is 40 cms long in 2 seconds. At what point the instantaneous velocity of the object will be seen?

The instantaneous velocity will be observed throughout the path of the motion.

Well, the velocity of the object will be maximum while accelerating down to a midpoint on the semi-arc surface.

Is trampoline an example of zero horizontal velocity?

A trampoline can be an example of zero horizontal velocity.

The motion of the body is in the vertical direction. The body is thrown upward and then returns down in the same vertical plane and there is no horizontal velocity and the direction attained by the body.

Also Read:

Zero Velocity Graph: How, When, Exhaustive Graphs

image 46

We are going to discuss what zero velocity is, and how to plot a zero velocity graph and different facts about the same.

An object is said to have zero velocity when the displacement of an object does not change with time and is at rest.

Zero Average Velocity Graph

The sum of all the velocities of the object divided by the total number of velocities is called the average velocity.

If the object is at a rest or occupies same position after certain time interval then the object is said to have a zero average velocity.

zero velocity graph
Displacement v/s Time Graph

The positions of the object at different time intervals were noted and when a displacement v/s time graph was plotted for the same, we get a straight line with very few points above or below the lines. Those few points not being on a straight line indicates that there was some minute motion of the object which was negligible.

The above displacement v/s time graph indicates that the object is at rest, but due to some external influences, there is some slight motion seen by an object. On average, the position of the object is fixed. This proves that the velocity of the object is nil.

Position Time Graph for Zero Relative Velocity

The relative velocity depends upon the direction of the motion of two or more objects and is the difference between the velocities of the objects.

If the two objects are moving in the same direction with velocity VA and VB respectively, then their relative velocity is V= VA – VB; and if these two objects are moving in the opposite direction to each other, then their relative velocity will become V= VA – (-VB)= VA + VB.

image 47
Position-Time Graph for two bodies at rest

If the object is at rest then the velocity of the will be equal to zero. The above graph is a position-time graph for two objects at rest. If both the objects are not moving and are stable at rest then it is evident that their relative velocity in concurrent to each other is zero.

image 49
Position-Time Graph for two bodies in motion

Two objects elapsing equal distance in equal intervals of time, then the velocity of both the objects will be equal, and hence relative velocity which is the vector difference of the velocities of both the objects will be zero. Because, from the frame of reference of one object, the position of the other object which is moving along with itself will be constant, hence, the relative displacement will be zero and hence the relative velocity will be zero.

Problem: Consider a lady walking along with her dog on the street with a velocity of 1m/s each crosses a tree. Then what will be the relative velocity of a lady with respect to her dog and that of a tree?

Given: Velocity of a lady VA=1m/s

The velocity of a dog VB=1m/s

A tree is at rest and hence the velocity of a tree is VC=0

The direction of motion of both, a lady and a dog is in the same direction.

V= VA-VB=1m/s – 1m/s=0

As a lady crosses a tree, the tree is moving away from a lady at a speed of 1m/s. Since the tree is at rest, in reality, the relative velocity of a lady with respect to a tree is

V= VB-VC=1m/s – 0=1m/s

Hence, the relative velocity of a tree and of a lady with respect to each other is 1m/s.

When is Velocity Zero on a Position Time Graph?

The velocity of the object is zero if the position of the object does not change with time.

If the position of the object marked on the position-time graph is the same forming a straight line on a graph between a time interval, then the velocity of the object during that time interval is zero.

image 48
Position-Time Graph for zero velocity

The above is the position-time graph for a zero velocity, the straight line on the graph says that the position of the object is constant at all times and there is no displacement.

Suppose at time t1=5 min the position of the object was found to be x1=300m and at time t1=10 min the position of the object was again found to be x1=300m only, then the velocity of the object

CodeCogsEqn 72 1

Since there is no displacement, the velocity of the object is found to be zero.

Read more on Zero-Velocity Surface.

Negative Velocity and Zero Acceleration

If the object is accelerating in the direction opposite from its route or the speed decreases with time then the object is said to have a negative velocity.

If the velocity of the object remains constant and is moving in the reverse direction of motion then the velocity is negative and the acceleration of the object is zero.

image 50
Constant Negative Velocity-Time Graph

The above is the graph of negative velocity and time. Since the object after decelerating moves with a constant velocity then the acceleration of the object becomes zero until there is a change in its velocity.

As the negative velocity of the object remains unchanged, the graph of the negative velocity v/s time shows a straight line.

Zero Velocity Graph

The object is said to have zero velocity when there is no displacement of the object. The object at rest remains stable unless and until some external forces are exerted on the body that forces the object to displace from its original position.

Below is a graph for position and time.

image 51
Position-Time Graph

It shows that the position of the time remains unchanged for a long duration of time. Since the change of position of the object at different intervals of time is zero; the velocity of the object is zero.

Read more on Negative Velocity Graph: Different Graphs And Their Explanations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the object stable if it is not accelerating?

The object is said to be accelerating if its velocity varies with time.

If there is no acceleration means either the object is stable or is moving with constant velocity. If the object is moving then the object is said to have uniform acceleration which does not change with time.

How negative velocity is different from zero velocity?

The objects with zero velocity are fixed at a point whereas those with negative velocity are in reverse motion.

An object with negative velocity is decelerating and hence is in a motion, whereas the object with zero velocity implies that the object is not in motion and is at rest.

An object in a motion can have zero acceleration?

The velocity of the accelerating object is not constant with time.

If the object is moving with a constant velocity with time then the difference between the initial and the final position of the object will be zero and hence the object will have zero acceleration.

What is the effect of zero velocity?

An object with zero velocity will have zero acceleration.

An object will stand fixed at a rest at one position and will not show any displacement unless exerts some external forces.

Also Read: