Question

A particle moving in a straight line with constant acceleration is slowing down. When is the particle's velocity always opposite to acceleration? Discuss.

Answer 1

Explanation:

1. When a particle moving in a straight line with constant acceleration is slowing down, it means that its acceleration is negative.
2. In simpler terms, the particle is decelerating.
3. Thus, the particle's acceleration is always opposite to the velocity during the whole duration until it stops.
4. For example, if the particle is moving in the right direction and slowing down, it implies that the acceleration is acting in the left direction.
5. It is only due to the opposite directions of acceleration and velocity that the particle is slowing down.

Thus, the particle's acceleration direction will be opposite to its velocity throughout the motion for the given case.