Question

did you know there are devices that measure acceleration? known as accelerometers, these devices can measure the smallest changes in velocity. that is why they are used in electronic devices. a smart phone uses an accelerometer to determine the orientation of the phone so it can rotate the screen properly. if the accelerometer in a laptop detects that it is falling, the computer will power down before it hits the ground. accelerometers are even used in fitness trackers to calculate a persons steps. explain would the accelerometer reading on your phone be higher when your phone sits on your desk or when it falls? explain your answer. life science connection cheetahs are able to accelerate from 0 m/s to about 27 m/s in 3 s. that is faster than the average u.s. car which takes about 8 s! apply it evaluate are the chairs on the ferris wheel accelerating as it turns? explain your answer.

Explanation:

1. For the phone - desk vs fall question: When the phone sits on the desk, it is in equilibrium with the normal force balancing gravity, resulting in zero net acceleration and a low accelerometer reading close to zero (accounting for Earth's rotation and other minor effects). When it falls, it accelerates due to gravity at approximately $9.8\ m/s^{2}$ (near - Earth surface), so the accelerometer reading is higher.
2. For the Ferris - wheel question: Acceleration is a vector quantity that includes changes in speed or direction. The chairs on a Ferris wheel move in a circular path. Even if the Ferris wheel is rotating at a constant speed, the direction of the velocity of the chairs is constantly changing. Since there is a change in velocity (direction), there is acceleration, called centripetal acceleration.

Answer:

1. The accelerometer reading on the phone is higher when it falls. When on the desk, the phone is in equilibrium with little to no acceleration. When falling, it accelerates due to gravity.
2. Yes, the chairs on the Ferris wheel are accelerating. Even at a constant speed, the direction of their velocity is constantly changing, which means there is acceleration (centripetal acceleration).