Elliptic path, normal and tangential acceleration

Thread starter JulienB
Start date May 2, 2016
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Acceleration Normal Path Tangential acceleration

In summary, the conversation was about a student struggling with exercises from their special relativity class and seeking help with a particular problem involving the motion of a point mass in a plane. They shared their attempt at a solution and received feedback on a mistake in their calculation. The conversation then shifted to discussing a more general approach using tangential and normal components of acceleration, as well as unit vectors. The student was still unsure about their answer and sought further clarification.

May 3, 2016

JulienB

@ehild Thanks a lot! I must sleep too otherwise I would post the correct calculation again. I'll do it tomorrow.

<h2> What is an elliptic path?</h2><p>An elliptic path is a curved path that is shaped like an ellipse. It is a type of conic section, which is a curve that is created by the intersection of a plane and a cone. In an elliptic path, the distance between the two foci (the points that determine the shape of the ellipse) remains constant, while the distance from any point on the ellipse to the two foci is always less than the sum of the distances from that point to the two foci.</p><h2> What is normal acceleration?</h2><p>Normal acceleration, also known as centripetal acceleration, is the acceleration that occurs when an object moves along a curved path. It is always directed towards the center of the circular or elliptic path, and its magnitude is equal to the square of the object's speed divided by the radius of the path. In other words, the faster an object moves along a curved path, or the smaller the radius of the path, the greater its normal acceleration will be.</p><h2> What is tangential acceleration?</h2><p>Tangential acceleration is the acceleration that occurs when an object's speed changes along a curved path. It is always directed tangentially (perpendicular) to the path, and its magnitude is equal to the rate of change of the object's speed. In other words, tangential acceleration measures how much an object's speed is increasing or decreasing as it moves along a curved path.</p><h2> How are normal and tangential acceleration related?</h2><p>Normal and tangential acceleration are always perpendicular to each other, meaning they act at right angles. This is because normal acceleration is directed towards the center of the curved path, while tangential acceleration is directed tangentially to the path. Together, these two types of acceleration make up the total acceleration of an object moving along a curved path.</p><h2> What is the difference between centripetal and centrifugal force?</h2><p>Centripetal force is the force that acts on an object moving along a curved path, towards the center of the path. It is responsible for causing the object to undergo normal acceleration. On the other hand, centrifugal force is the apparent outward force that an object experiences when it is moving along a curved path. It is not a real force, but rather a result of the object's inertia, or tendency to continue moving in a straight line. Centrifugal force is often used to explain the feeling of being pushed outwards when turning in a car or on a rollercoaster.</p>

FAQ: Elliptic path, normal and tangential acceleration

What is an elliptic path?

An elliptic path is a curved path that is shaped like an ellipse. It is a type of conic section, which is a curve that is created by the intersection of a plane and a cone. In an elliptic path, the distance between the two foci (the points that determine the shape of the ellipse) remains constant, while the distance from any point on the ellipse to the two foci is always less than the sum of the distances from that point to the two foci.

What is normal acceleration?

Normal acceleration, also known as centripetal acceleration, is the acceleration that occurs when an object moves along a curved path. It is always directed towards the center of the circular or elliptic path, and its magnitude is equal to the square of the object's speed divided by the radius of the path. In other words, the faster an object moves along a curved path, or the smaller the radius of the path, the greater its normal acceleration will be.

What is tangential acceleration?

Tangential acceleration is the acceleration that occurs when an object's speed changes along a curved path. It is always directed tangentially (perpendicular) to the path, and its magnitude is equal to the rate of change of the object's speed. In other words, tangential acceleration measures how much an object's speed is increasing or decreasing as it moves along a curved path.

How are normal and tangential acceleration related?

Normal and tangential acceleration are always perpendicular to each other, meaning they act at right angles. This is because normal acceleration is directed towards the center of the curved path, while tangential acceleration is directed tangentially to the path. Together, these two types of acceleration make up the total acceleration of an object moving along a curved path.

What is the difference between centripetal and centrifugal force?

Centripetal force is the force that acts on an object moving along a curved path, towards the center of the path. It is responsible for causing the object to undergo normal acceleration. On the other hand, centrifugal force is the apparent outward force that an object experiences when it is moving along a curved path. It is not a real force, but rather a result of the object's inertia, or tendency to continue moving in a straight line. Centrifugal force is often used to explain the feeling of being pushed outwards when turning in a car or on a rollercoaster.