Can an object's velocity change direction when its acceleration is constant?
A) No, this is not possible because it is always slowing up.
B) No, this is not possible because it is always speeding up.
C) Yes, this is possible, and a car that starts from rest, speeds up, slows to a stop, and then backs up is an example.
D) Yes, this is possible, and a rock thrown straight up is an example.
E) No, this is not possible because it is always speeding up or always slowing down, but it can never turn around.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A constant acceleration means the rate of change of velocity is constant, not the direction of velocity. A rock thrown straight up slows down until it stops at its peak (due to gravity acting downwards) and then accelerates back down, demonstrating a change in the direction of velocity while under constant acceleration (gravity).

Can an Object's Velocity Change Direction When Its Acceleration Is