Question 1: Define acceleration in your own words and explain how it differs from speed.

Answer: Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time. Unlike speed, which measures how fast an object moves, acceleration indicates how quickly the velocity of the object is changing.

Question 2: Describe two common mechanisms by which an object can accelerate.

Answer: An object can accelerate by increasing its speed (speeding up) or by changing direction while maintaining speed (turning or changing direction).

Question 3: What are the SI units used to measure acceleration?

Answer: Meters per second squared (m/s²).

Question 1: A car accelerates from 0 m/s to 20 m/s in 5 seconds. Calculate its acceleration.

Answer: Acceleration = (Final velocity - Initial velocity) / Time = (20 m/s - 0 m/s) / 5 s = 4 m/s²

Question 2: An object accelerates at 3 m/s² for 10 seconds. If its initial velocity was 5 m/s, what is its final velocity?

Answer: Final velocity = Initial velocity + (acceleration × time) = 5 m/s + (3 m/s² × 10 s) = 35 m/s

Question 1: Describe a safe method to test acceleration using a toy car and a ramp. Include variables that need to be controlled.

Answer: To test acceleration, place a toy car at the top of a ramp and release it without pushing. Measure the time it takes to reach the bottom. Variables to control include the height of the ramp, surface friction, and starting position to ensure consistent initial conditions.

Question 2: List three safety precautions to consider when conducting acceleration experiments involving moving objects.

Answer: Ensure the area is clear of obstacles, secure loose clothing or hair, and use safety barriers or boundaries to prevent objects from flying out of control.

Question 1: A roller coaster car accelerates from 0 m/s to 30 m/s over a distance of 150 meters. Calculate its average acceleration.

Answer: Using the kinematic equation: v² = u² + 2as 30² = 0 + 2 × a × 150 900 = 300a a = 3 m/s²

Question 2: Interpret the following data: A train increases its speed from 40 m/s to 60 m/s in 10 seconds. Is this acceleration considered high or low for a train? Explain your reasoning.

Answer: The acceleration is 2 m/s², which is moderate for a train. While trains accelerate slowly compared to smaller vehicles, this rate is typical for passenger trains to ensure passenger comfort and safety.

Question 1: Explain how understanding acceleration is important in designing safe roller coasters.

Answer: Designers must calculate acceleration to ensure that forces experienced by passengers stay within safe limits. Proper acceleration prevents injuries caused by sudden jerks and ensures comfort. It also helps in designing curves and drops that achieve thrilling effects without exceeding safety standards.

Question 2: Describe a real-world scenario where understanding acceleration is crucial for safety or efficiency.

Answer: In automotive design, understanding acceleration helps engineers develop braking systems that can safely reduce speed, and acceleration limits are set to prevent loss of control during high-speed driving.