- #1
Ruinmaniac
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Homework Statement
The problem is in the photo below:
https://www.physicsforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=71928&stc=1&d=1407288108
Text: Figure CP6.74 shows an accelerometer, a device for measuring the horizontal acceleration of cars and airplanes. A ball is free to roll on a parabolic track described by the equation y = x2, where both x and y are in meters. A scale along the bottom is used to measure the ball’s horizontal position x.
Homework Equations
F = ma
Possibly other kinematics equations.
The Attempt at a Solution
I can imagine how the problem would play out well in my head, and understand how the acceleration has an effect on the ball.
At any "x", slope is y' = 2x
I do not understand how to go from this slope to the angle (theta, see diagram) that represents the rotation of the tangent to the horizontal.
[EDIT] theta = tan-1(2x) (just realized, man I am stupid sometimes lol)
The main forces that I think are acting on the ball are Fg, n, and force due to acceleration of vehicle in any direction, which i think points horizontally, the pic below shows my understanding of the problem:
https://www.physicsforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=71929&stc=1&d=1407288854
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