Re: [Phys-l] Deceleration or Negative Acceleration

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

At 09:02 AM 9/9/2008, you wrote:
> I instituted the use of "Reading Questions" in my classes this year, and I
> am getting some of the most interesting questions this semester from my
> students.
>
> This is one that I've not run into before...  A student has asked which is
> proper terminology:  "Negative Acceleration" or "Deceleration".
>
> Of the textbooks on my shelf, about half are for the first and the other
> half seem to use both interchangeably.  Interestingly, those that say
> "Negative Acceleration" is the proper term are all of a more recent
> vintage.
>
> Is one or the other really more used/acceptable?
>
> Thanks,
> Peter


This may well be nothing more than a personal peccadillo,
 but I associate the 'decelerate' concept with a reduction in
forward speed which to my mind at least agrees with the
 Latin roots.
I associate negative acceleration with any reduction
in velocity which may continue to increasing speed
 in the opposite direction...



Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka!