constant acceleration or constant velocity which is harder to maintain over a short distance

If you are talking about driving or running, constant acceleration is harder to maintain.

If you are in free fall, constant accleration happens naturally

why is it harder to maintain when walking

To determine whether constant acceleration or constant velocity is harder to maintain over a short distance, let's first clarify the terms.

Constant velocity refers to an object moving at a steady speed in a straight line without any change in direction. This means the object maintains the same speed throughout the entire duration of its motion.

Constant acceleration, on the other hand, refers to an object that is changing its speed at a constant rate. For example, if an object starts from rest and its speed increases by 5 m/s every second, it is experiencing constant acceleration.

Now let's consider which is harder to maintain over a short distance.

Maintaining constant velocity typically requires that no external forces act on the object, which would cause it to accelerate or decelerate. In practice, it can be challenging to maintain a constant velocity over a short distance because even slight disturbances or external forces can affect the object's speed. For example, air resistance, friction, or uneven surfaces can all interfere with maintaining constant velocity.

On the other hand, maintaining constant acceleration requires a controlled and consistent force to cause the object to accelerate at a constant rate. This can be achieved by applying a constant force, such as pushing or pulling the object, or by using appropriate machinery. While maintaining constant acceleration might also have its challenges, it generally relies less on external factors and can be controlled more precisely.

Considering these factors, it is generally harder to maintain constant velocity over a short distance compared to maintaining constant acceleration. However, it's important to note that the difficulty of maintaining either of these depends on the specific circumstances and conditions involved.