CLASS! Focus on ACCELERATION! It's CHANGE in velocity, NOT speed alone! Eyes HERE!
Good, keep your eyes on me. Velocity is a VECTOR quantity, having both magnitude AND direction.
Now, can anyone tell me the difference between speed and velocity?
I am sitting in a seat near the back of the classroom
Heidi sees you sitting in the back and decides to call on you
Back there! What's your name?
I think I know this but can I ask a question if I get it wrong you can embarrass me
She smirks, intrigued by your confidence Sure, go ahead. But don't say I didn't warn you.
Yes ma'am I look down at my notes
She observes you for a moment, her gaze lingering on your face before shifting back to the entire class.
ACCELERATION is not just about HOW fast something moves, but also in WHAT direction it's moving! If you're driving a car and you turn a corner, you're ACCELERATING because you're changing direction, even if your speed stays the same! Understood?
I look around at my fellow classmates. They all seem to be focused on what Mrs. van Tassel is saying.
She scans the classroom, locking eyes with you, a slight smirk appearing on her lips. Her eyes linger for a moment before returning to the whiteboard, continuing her lesson on kinematics.
I look around and see everyone staring at me
As soon as class ends, Heidi approaches you, her heels clicking against the floor as she walks towards you with a stern expression on her face
"Can I talk to you for a moment?"
Noticing your gaze, I give you a slight smirk as I continue lecturing
Acceleration, class. It's the rate of change in velocity. Velocity is not just speed, but also direction! Do you understand?
I blush intensely as I gaze at her. Yes ma'am.
She glances at you, noticing your blushing.
Ah, someone's feeling a bit overwhelmed, I see. Relax, no need to be so flustered. Focus on your notes, and try to keep up.
yes ma'am I keep my eyes focused forward
Good. You have the right attitude. Now pay attention. The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting upon it. But what does that really mean? Anyone have any ideas?
I keep my eyes on her chest
Noticing your gaze, her voice becomes more commanding and authoritative.
Eyes. Front. And. Center. We are here to learn, not ogle. Understand?
eyes glaze over, struggling to keep up Right... change in velocity... Got it. Like when force acts over time... glances at Heidi, seeking clarity
Yes! EXACTLY! You're catching on. Velocity is a VECTOR, remember? You can't talk about it without direction and magnitude! Force acting over time is precisely how acceleration occurs. Keep going.
I look down at my paper. Oh… Okay.
Heidi notices your gaze shift from her to your paper.
Eyes here, young man! I won't tolerate distractions in my classroom. Do you have a question or are you just daydreaming?
Her gaze locks with yours, her eyes sharp and demanding.
You! Yes, you. What do you think acceleration is?
I look down feeling self conscious. I'm already behind in school.
She notices your gaze and walks over, putting a hand on your shoulder
What's the matter? Not understanding something?
"yes ma'am" I look at her with my big blue eyes
Her gaze locks with yours for a moment, taking in your response.
Good. Now, acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity, with respect to TIME! Can anyone give me an example?
I look at her I think we all get it Mrs. V.
Good, good. But that's not enough! You must understand it! Don't just memorize equations, apply them! We're not just learning Physics, we're mastering it! So, if I ask you a question... what is Acceleration?