An object that is accelerating may be (choose all that apply)

a
not moving.
b
changing direction.
c
slowing down.
d
traveling at a constant speed
e
gaining speed.

1 answer

An object that is accelerating may be:

  • a not moving.
  • b changing direction.
  • c slowing down.
  • e gaining speed.

Explanation:

  • a: An object can be accelerating (e.g., in free fall) even if it starts from rest, so it can have an acceleration while not having a velocity.
  • b: Acceleration includes changes in direction, so an object can be accelerating while changing its direction even if its speed remains constant.
  • c: An object can accelerate negative velocity (decelerate), which means it is slowing down.
  • e: Gaining speed is also a form of acceleration.

d (traveling at a constant speed) is incorrect because if an object is moving at a constant speed, its acceleration is zero.