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Kinematics

Kinematics

by ramakrishna masabattula -
Number of replies: 2

Can a body decelerate while moving with constant speed? if so mention an example.

In reply to ramakrishna masabattula

Re: Kinematics

by Srinath Murthy -

Deceleration is negative acceleration. Circular motion is the typical example where speed can be constant without acceleration (or negative deceleration) being zero.

In reply to ramakrishna masabattula

Re: Kinematics

by Deleted user -

In physics the term "deceleration" isn't really used. If an object that is moving in a straight line is speeding up, then it is experiencing a positive acceleration. And if it is slowing down, then it is still accelerating but now with a negative value.

Newton's equation F=ma (Force = mass x acceleration) must always be true. And we know that it takes a force to change the speed or direction of any object. So, if an object is speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction, and since the mass is a constant value, then to keep the equation balanced the value of acceleration simply can not be 0.

So, if you were to move at a constant speed "in a straight line" then you would not be accelerating. But... One quick example of moving at a constant speed where you would be experiencing acceleration is to ride a Merry-Go-Round.