Mechanics

Object having zero velocity but still accelerating

We all know that acceleration is rate of change of velocity. Thus according to this definition, if the velocity of the object is zero or constant, then its acceleration will be zero. But there are certain things in life where only definitions can not define another parameter but these parameters or things may be explained using certain logic.

The question here is can a object has acceleration when its velocity is zero. You will be surprised to know that there are certain cases where this can happen. Let us discuss 2 of the examples:

1. When you through a ball upside and when it reaches the top it pauses for a moment. At this moment, the velocity is zero but the ball still has acceleration and that acceleration is due to acceleration due to gravity. Thus at the peak, the velocity is zero but the object is still accelerating.

2. Second example can be discussed in the case of pendulum. When a pendulum moves, and when it reaches the extreme positions its velocity is zero but its still accelerating due to gravity.

It means there may be cases where acceleration may be there even if there is no velocity.

If you know more examples,  you can share with us.

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