What is Nonzero Acceleration and How to Find the Lowest Value?

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Nonzero acceleration refers to any acceleration value that is not equal to zero, which can be either positive or negative depending on the chosen reference direction. In the context of the discussion, the focus is on identifying the lowest positive acceleration value, rather than considering negative values like -0.048. The concept emphasizes that acceleration's sign is relative and depends on the defined positive direction. To find the lowest nonzero acceleration, one should look for the smallest positive value in magnitude while disregarding negative accelerations. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately solving the lab problem.
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Homework Statement



finding the lowest non zero acceleration in a lab


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



the question has asked to find the lowest non zero acceleration, I can't find what nonzero acceleration exactly is. does that mean the acceleration rate is any given number besides 0? if an object is moving in one direction because of the initial velocity and then reverses directions because of a fan and the acceleration rate is -.048 the entire time the object is in motion before it hits a wall, does that mean that is a non zero acceleration rate? or would I need to find the lowest positive acceleration rate of the object when it is just moving in the one direction?
 
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I expect that it means the smallest non-zero acceleration in terms of magnitude.

The issue of whether an acceleration is positive or negative, merely depends on which direction is chosen as the positive direction.
 
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