Centripetal Acceleration derivation help

In summary, the conversation discusses differentiating the formula for velocity (v = 2πr/T) with respect to time to find acceleration. However, this method does not work because the formula represents the constant magnitude of velocity, not its changing direction. To find the acceleration, a vector derivative must be taken, resulting in a formula of a = v²/r in the direction of rotation.
  • #1
qazxsw11111
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w=2π /T
v=rw=2πr/T
a=rw2=r(4π2r2/T)

This I know, but why can't I just differentiate v with respect to t to get a? (But the answer is wrong) Can anyone tell me why?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Also, [tex]a_{c}=\frac{v^{2}}{R}[/tex] in case you didn't have this equation at your disposal.

Are you trying to differentiate v=rw=2πr/T with respect to time?
 
  • #3
w=2π /T
v=rw=2πr/T
a=rw²=r(4π²r²/T)
Error in the third line - should be a = a=rw²=r(2π /T)² = 4π²r/T²
Differentiating v = 2πr/T does no good because this formula is for the (constant) magnitude of velocity, so the dv/dt = 0. In fact the direction of the velocity is continuously changing so a vector derivative must be done to get the acceleration that way. It would be something like this:
v = 2πr/T[cos(ωt),sin(ωt)]
dv/dt = 2πr/T[-ω*sin(ωt), ω*cos(ωt)]
= 2πr/T*ω[-sin(ωt), cos(ωt)] and since ω = v/r and v = 2πr/T this is
= v²/r[-sin(ωt), cos(ωt)]
showing that the magnitude of acceleration is good old v²/r and that its direction rotates with time.
 

FAQ: Centripetal Acceleration derivation help

What is centripetal acceleration?

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration experienced by an object moving in a circular path. It is always directed towards the center of the circle and is responsible for changing the direction of the object's velocity.

What is the formula for calculating centripetal acceleration?

The formula for calculating centripetal acceleration is a = v²/r, where a is the acceleration, v is the velocity of the object, and r is the radius of the circular path.

How is centripetal acceleration derived?

Centripetal acceleration can be derived using Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration. By setting the net force equal to the force required to maintain circular motion (mv²/r), we can solve for the acceleration.

What are some real-life examples of centripetal acceleration?

Some examples of centripetal acceleration in everyday life include the motion of a car around a curve, the rotation of a merry-go-round, and the movement of a planet around the sun.

How does centripetal acceleration differ from tangential acceleration?

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration towards the center of a circle, while tangential acceleration is the acceleration in the direction of the object's velocity. In circular motion, the two accelerations are perpendicular to each other and work together to keep the object moving in a circular path.

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