Question

A helicopter flying west begins experiencing an acceleration of $3\dfrac{m}{{{s^2}}}$ east. Will the magnitude of its velocity increase or decrease?

Answer 1

This question is based on the concept of acceleration and velocity. Acceleration is the rate of change of the velocity of an object with respect to time. Also, velocity of an object is the rate of change of its position with respect to a frame of reference.

Complete step by step answer:
Firstly we need to understand that both motion and acceleration can act in the opposite direction simultaneously. To understand this concept, let us take the example of the motion of a body thrown in the upward direction. In this case, the object is moving in the upward direction whereas the acceleration due to gravity acts in the downward direction. Hence, we can say that acceleration and motion can be in opposite directions.
In this question, as the helicopter is flying in the west direction, it experiences an acceleration of $3\dfrac{m}{{{s^2}}}$in the eastward acceleration. So, we can say that a negative acceleration is taking place and a negative acceleration decreases the velocity of an object. So, the magnitude of the velocity of the helicopter decreases as it experiences an acceleration in the opposite direction of motion.

Note: Speed and magnitude of velocity are often considered the same. This is not always true. This statement is true only if the motion of the object is in a straight line but if the object moves in a circular path or in any other random direction, then the magnitude of velocity and speed are different.