Question

sort the following actions in the correct category.
drag & drop the answer
a change in direction
a parked car
an airplane descending in altitude
a soccer ball being kicked
throwing a ball
catching a ball
change in acceleration
a change in speed
a car driving at a constant speed
no change in acceleration

Explanation:

To solve this, we recall the definition of acceleration: a change in velocity (which includes speed or direction).

Change in Acceleration:

• A change in direction: Changing direction means velocity changes (since velocity is a vector with direction), so acceleration changes.
• A change in speed: Changing speed means velocity changes, so acceleration changes.
• An airplane descending in altitude: If the airplane is descending, its speed or direction (or both) may be changing (e.g., if it's landing, speed decreases; if it's gliding, direction/altitude change involves velocity change).
• A soccer ball being kicked: The kick applies a force, changing the ball’s speed and direction, so velocity (and thus acceleration) changes.
• Throwing a ball: When throwing, the ball’s speed and direction (trajectory) change, so velocity changes (acceleration changes).
• Catching a ball: The ball’s speed decreases rapidly (change in speed), so velocity changes (acceleration changes).

No change in Acceleration:

• A parked car: Velocity is 0 (no speed, no direction), so no change in velocity (acceleration is 0, no change).
• A car driving at a constant speed: If speed is constant and direction is constant (e.g., straight line), velocity is constant, so no change in acceleration (acceleration is 0, no change).

Answer:

Change in Acceleration:

• A change in direction
• A change in speed
• An airplane descending in altitude
• A soccer ball being kicked
• Throwing a ball
• Catching a ball

No change in Acceleration:

• A parked car
• A car driving at a constant speed