Radial and Tangential Acceleration Question

In summary, radial acceleration is the acceleration of an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle. It can be calculated using the formula a<sub>r</sub> = v<sup>2</sup>/r. Tangential acceleration, on the other hand, is the acceleration of an object moving in a circular path, directed tangent to the circle. It can be calculated using the formula a<sub>t</sub> = αr. These two types of acceleration are perpendicular to each other and together make up the total acceleration of an object moving in a circular path. Radial acceleration causes the object to change direction while tangential acceleration causes the object to change speed.
  • #1
physicsguy98
4
0
A ball tied to the end of a string 0.5 m in length swings in a vertical circle under the influence of gravity. When the string makes an angle of 20 degrees with the vertical, the ball has a speed of 1.5 m/s. Find the tangential component of acceleration at this instant. Help!




Tangential Acceleration = dv/dt


I could figure this out but I can't figure out the velocity function. HELP me please!
 
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  • #2
What forces act on the ball? What tangential force acts on the ball?
 

FAQ: Radial and Tangential Acceleration Question

1. What is radial acceleration?

Radial acceleration is the acceleration of an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle.

2. How is radial acceleration calculated?

Radial acceleration can be calculated using the formula ar = v2/r, where v is the velocity of the object and r is the radius of the circular path.

3. What is tangential acceleration?

Tangential acceleration is the acceleration of an object moving in a circular path, directed tangent to the circle.

4. How is tangential acceleration calculated?

Tangential acceleration can be calculated using the formula at = αr, where α is the angular acceleration of the object and r is the radius of the circular path.

5. How do radial and tangential acceleration relate to each other?

Radial and tangential acceleration are perpendicular to each other and together make up the total acceleration of an object moving in a circular path. Radial acceleration causes the object to change direction while tangential acceleration causes the object to change speed.

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