Probing the misconception:

Larger (smaller) velocity means larger (smaller) acceleration.

References Description

 

Two cars are travelling down a road. At 12:15 pm the two drivers of the cars look at their speedometers. The driver of one car reads 30 mph, the other driver reads 60 mph on their speedometer. Which car has a greater acceleration? Explain your answer. If you are unable to determine the answer, explain why you can't.

 Correct Answer

 

Students with this misconception will answer that the car that is travelling at 60 mph has a greater acceleration since it has a larger velocity.

 

Related misconceptions/student difficulties that may arise in the question:

Same velocity means same acceleration for two objects.

 

 

 

 

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