Find acceleration vector of a car travelling on a circular path

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration vector of a car traveling in a circular path. The car covers an arc length of 235 meters in 36 seconds, leading to a constant speed of 6.53 m/s. The radial acceleration is determined using the formula arad = v² / r, resulting in an acceleration of 0.285 m/s² directed along the radial path. Additionally, the velocity vector at point B is confirmed to be (6.53 m/s) in the northward direction, expressed as \hat{j}. The calculations demonstrate a clear understanding of uniform circular motion principles.
Phys121VIU
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Homework Statement


A car is traveling eastward turns north by traveling in a circular path at uniform speed as shown in the picture. the length of arc ABC is 235m and the car completes the turn in 36.0s

a) Find the acceleration vector of the car when it is at B. Express answer in terms of unit vectors\hat{i} and \hat{j}


Homework Equations


arad = V2 / r = 149.6m

circumference of a circle = 2nr

The Attempt at a Solution



Because the car is traveling at uniform speed, there is no tangential acceleration conponent, just radial acceleration. From there I found the radius of the arc the car is traveling on

r = [(235) x 2] / ∏

So radial acceleration = [V2] / r

but velocity isn't given..so there are two unknowns and therefore i can't solve for arad, therefore i am stuck.. any hints would be appreciated!
 

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Phys121VIU said:

Homework Statement


A car is traveling eastward turns north by traveling in a circular path at uniform speed as shown in the picture. the length of arc ABC is 235m and the car completes the turn in 36.0s

a) Find the acceleration vector of the car when it is at B. Express answer in terms of unit vectors\hat{i} and \hat{j}


Homework Equations


arad = V2 / r = 149.6m

circumference of a circle = 2nr

The Attempt at a Solution



Because the car is traveling at uniform speed, there is no tangential acceleration conponent, just radial acceleration. From there I found the radius of the arc the car is traveling on

r = [(235) x 2] / ∏

So radial acceleration = [V2] / r

but velocity isn't given..so there are two unknowns and therefore i can't solve for arad, therefore i am stuck.. any hints would be appreciated!

Can you work out something with bolded text?
 
I see, its traveling at constant velocity so it is the same all along the arc.

velocity = d / t

= 235m / 36.0s

= 6.53m/s

and with that, the radial acceleration can be found :

arad = v2 / r

= (6.53m/s)2 / 149.6m

= 0.285 m/s2 = 0.285 m/s2 \hat{i}


Thank you!
EDIT***

b) Find the velocity vector at B. Express answer in terms of \hat{i} and \hat{j}

This is part two..i just want to see if I am on the right track..

Is the velocity at B = (6.53m/s) \hat{j} ??

(I didnt think these questions would be this simple..):S
 
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