Is deceleration negative?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether deceleration is considered a negative value. It involves an understanding of the physics concept of deceleration, which is the reduction of speed or the rate of decrease of velocity.
Answer
No, deceleration is not always negative acceleration.
Deceleration is not always negative acceleration; it specifically refers to a reduction in speed.
Answer for screen readers
Deceleration is not always negative acceleration; it specifically refers to a reduction in speed.
More Information
Deceleration specifically means a reduction in speed, regardless of the direction. Negative acceleration refers to acceleration in the negative direction in a chosen coordinate system, which may or may not result in a reduction of speed.
Tips
Students often conflate deceleration with negative acceleration, but it's important to differentiate between the two based on speed reduction and chosen coordinate system direction.
Sources
- 2.4 - Acceleration - opentextbooks.uregina.ca
- What is the difference between deceleration and negative ... - Quora - quora.com
- Misconception Alert: Deceleration vs. Negative Acceleration - learn.saylor.org
