Question

How can an object have a negative acceleration while speeding up and a positive acceleration while slowing down? Please explain using easy terms, I do not understand the way my textbook explains it.

Answer 1

It can not. Negative acceleration means deceleration which is slowing down. JMHO

Answer 2

Acceleration is the first derivative (slope) of velocity. This is its definition. I challenge anyone to draw a velocity curve versus time where the velocity is decreasing and the slope is positive. Cannot be done.

Explanation:

Acceleration and velocity are vectors. If they point in different directions the object must be slowing down. Velocity is increasing acceleration must be positive and if velocity is decreasing acceleration must be negative.

Answer 3

Acceleration is the first derivative (slope) of velocity. This is its definition. I challenge anyone to draw a velocity curve versus time where the velocity is decreasing and the slope is positive.

Explanation:

Acceleration and velocity are vectors. If they point in different directions the object must be slowing down. Velocity is increasing acceleration must be positive and if velocity is decreasing acceleration must be negative.

Answer 4

Acceleration is the first derivative (slope) of velocity. This is its definition. I challenge anyone to draw a velocity curve versus time where the velocity is decreasing and the slope is positive.

Explanation:

Acceleration and velocity are vectors. If they point in different directions the object must be slowing down. Velocity is increasing acceleration must be positive and if velocity is decreasing acceleration must be negative.

Answer 5

It can not. I challenge anyone to draw a velocity curve versus time where the velocity is decreasing and the slope is positive.

Explanation:

Acceleration is the first derivative (slope) of velocity. This is its definition. Acceleration and velocity are vectors. If they point in different directions the object must be slowing down. Velocity is increasing acceleration must be positive and if velocity is decreasing acceleration must be negative.