Sideways Acceleration: What Is It?

In summary, when an object accelerates sideways, it is called centripetal acceleration. This term is often used in reference to circular motion, where the object is constantly changing direction. In the context of cars, this type of acceleration is also referred to as lateral or cornering acceleration. The term angular acceleration may also be used in certain situations. To describe acceleration in the direction of travel, different terms may be used, such as longitudinal acceleration or fore-and-aft acceleration. Automotive Engineering may use the term fore-and-aft acceleration, while vertical acceleration is used to describe acceleration perpendicular to the direction of travel. Telemetry technology is often used to measure and analyze these different types of acceleration in real time, especially in high-end race cars and
  • #1
Mt. Nixion
47
1
What is it called when an object accelerates sideways?
 
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  • #2
I assume you mean by this acceleration in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the velocity.

This is called centripetal acceleration. :smile:
 
  • #3
Or perhaps angular acceleration?
 
  • #4
For cars it's called lateral (cornering) acceration for the component of acceleration perpendicular and sideways to the direction traveled, and longitudinal acceleration for the component of acceleration in the direction traveled. Vertical acceleration is used for the accerlation perpendicular and upwards / downwards to the direction traveled, (dips, rises, suspension reactions). Most high end race cars and even some computer racing games include full telemetry that captures all of this data in real time, allowing a driver / car engineer / player to analyze the results afterwards. Even some club racers will use telemetry boxes, like this one that also includes a pretty shift indicator as in this souped up porcshe at Road America:

http://jeffareid.net/real/ra.wmv

Automotive Engineering (AE) uses the term fore-and-aft acceleration for the component of accerlation in the direction traveled. So this terminology isn't consistent.
 
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1. What is sideways acceleration?

Sideways acceleration, also known as lateral acceleration, is the rate of change in the lateral velocity of an object. It measures how quickly an object is changing its direction of motion.

2. How is sideways acceleration different from linear acceleration?

Sideways acceleration is different from linear acceleration in that it only measures the change in direction of an object's motion, while linear acceleration measures the change in speed of an object's motion.

3. What causes sideways acceleration?

Sideways acceleration can be caused by a variety of factors, such as turning, changing lanes, or taking a curve in a road. It can also be caused by external forces, such as friction or gravity.

4. How is sideways acceleration measured?

Sideways acceleration is typically measured in units of meters per second squared (m/s²). It can be measured using specialized equipment, such as an accelerometer, or calculated using equations based on an object's velocity and radius of curvature.

5. What are some real-life examples of sideways acceleration?

Some examples of sideways acceleration in everyday life include driving a car around a corner, riding a rollercoaster, or turning a bicycle. In sports, sideways acceleration can be seen in activities such as skiing, skateboarding, or ice skating.

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