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What Is the Pebbleʼs Acceleration? Express Your Answer With the Appropriate Units.
Acceleration is a fundamental concept in physics that measures how quickly an object changes its velocity. It is defined as the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. When an object undergoes acceleration, it either speeds up, slows down, or changes direction. In this article, we will discuss the concept of acceleration specifically in relation to a pebble and explore its units of measurement.
The acceleration of a pebble, just like any other object, can be calculated using the equation:
Acceleration (a) = Change in velocity (Δv) / Time taken (Δt)
The SI unit for acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s²). It represents the change in velocity per second. In other words, it measures how much the velocity of an object changes every second.
For example, let’s consider a pebble thrown vertically upwards. As it moves against the force of gravity, its velocity decreases until it reaches its highest point and then starts falling back down. During this entire motion, the pebble experiences an acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.8 m/s² on Earth.
FAQs:
Q: How is acceleration different from velocity?
A: Velocity measures the rate at which an object changes its position, including both speed and direction. Acceleration, on the other hand, measures how quickly an object’s velocity changes.
Q: Can acceleration be negative?
A: Yes, acceleration can be negative. A negative acceleration indicates that the object is slowing down or changing direction in the opposite direction of its initial motion. For example, when a car brakes, it undergoes negative acceleration.
Q: How can we measure the acceleration of a pebble?
A: Measuring the acceleration of a pebble can be a challenging task due to its small size. However, several methods can be employed, such as using high-speed cameras and sophisticated sensors. These devices can capture the motion of the pebble and calculate its acceleration accurately.
Q: Does the mass of the pebble affect its acceleration?
A: According to Newton’s second law of motion, an object’s acceleration is inversely proportional to its mass when the force acting on it remains constant. Therefore, the mass of the pebble does not affect its acceleration directly. However, a larger pebble may experience more air resistance, which can alter its acceleration.
Q: Can the acceleration of a pebble be greater than the acceleration due to gravity?
A: Yes, the acceleration of a pebble can be greater than the acceleration due to gravity. If an external force, such as throwing the pebble or applying additional force to it, is acting on the pebble, its acceleration can exceed the acceleration due to gravity.
In conclusion, the acceleration of a pebble, like any other object, measures the rate at which its velocity changes. It can be calculated using the change in velocity divided by the time taken. The SI unit for acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s²). Understanding the concept of acceleration is crucial in comprehending the motion of objects and their interactions with external forces.
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