A Basic Acceleration Example Problem and Understanding Acceleration Direction

The video tutorial covers a basic physics problem involving acceleration. It begins with a problem statement about a bike's changing velocity and guides students through translating the problem into physics terms, converting units, and solving for acceleration. The tutorial also addresses common misconceptions about direction and acceleration, using examples to clarify when acceleration is positive or negative. The session concludes with a discussion on the importance of direction in acceleration problems and encourages students to consider direction even when not explicitly stated.

What is the initial velocity of Mr. P's bike in the problem?

• -23.7 km/h

• 23.7 km/h

• -14.3 km/h

• 14.3 km/h

How do you convert velocity from kilometers per hour to meters per second?

• Multiply by 1000 and divide by 3600

• Multiply by 3600 and divide by 1000

• Multiply by 1000 only

• Divide by 3600 only

Why are the velocities in the problem considered negative?

• Because the bike is moving to the left

• Because the speedometer shows negative values

• Because the bike is slowing down

• Because the bike is moving to the right

What does a speedometer measure?

• Velocity

• Speed

• Acceleration

• Distance

If an object is speeding up, what is the relationship between velocity and acceleration?

• They are in the same direction

• They are in opposite directions

• Acceleration is zero

• Velocity is zero

What happens to acceleration when an object is slowing down?

• It becomes zero

• It is in the opposite direction to velocity

• It is in the same direction as velocity

• It increases

Why might a problem not provide a direction for acceleration?

• To make the problem easier

• Because acceleration only has magnitude

• To simulate real-world scenarios where direction is unknown

• Because direction is not important