Suppose that a car traveling to the west begins to slow down as it approaches a traffic light. Which of the following statements about its acceleration is correct?
A) Since the car is slowing down, its acceleration must be negative.
B) The acceleration is toward the west.
C) The acceleration is zero.
D) The acceleration is toward the east.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a car slows down while traveling west, its acceleration is in the opposite direction of its motion, which means it is toward the east. Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity, and a change in speed or direction means there is acceleration. In this case, the car is decelerating, which is still acceleration but in the opposite direction of its velocity.

Suppose That a Car Traveling to the West Begins to Slow