Finding acceleration with two perpendicular velocities

In summary, the problem involves two moving objects - one with a constant velocity u, and the other with a constant velocity v perpendicular to u. The distance between the two objects is x. The question asks for the second object's acceleration, a, in that moment. However, since both objects have constant velocities, the acceleration is zero. It is possible that the question was supposed to involve a different scenario, but it is not clear from the given information.
  • #1
OtterFace
2
0

Homework Statement


There are two moving objects. The velocity of the first object, u, is constant. The second object maintains a constant velocity, v, perpendicular to u. The distance between the two objects is x. What is the second object's acceleration, a, in that moment?

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm unsure of how to really begin and if I'm on the right track but since the acceleration is perpendicular to u, there would be a centripetal force, because when acceleration is perpendicular to velocity there is circular motion. Would a=v2/r show the relationship?

Edit: Sorry about the typo in the title. It should say "two"
 
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  • #2
OtterFace said:
There are two moving objects. The velocity of the first object, u, is constant. The second object maintains a constant velocity, v, perpendicular to u. The distance between the two objects is x. What is the dog's acceleration, a, in that moment?
What dog? And what acceleration? Nothing in what was described before the question involves either a dog or an acceleration.
 
  • #3
andrewkirk said:
What dog? And what acceleration? Nothing in what was described before the question involves either a dog or an acceleration.
Sorry meant to put object instead. That's how the problem asks about the acceleration. It doesn't add any other information
 
  • #4
There is no acceleration in the problem as stated, since both objects have constant velocities. So the answer to the question as put is zero. I suspect that they meant to ask a different question though, involving acceleration, but messed it up (or perhaps the above is not a verbatim rendering of the question?). What that question was supposed to be, who knows?
 
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1. How do you find acceleration with two perpendicular velocities?

To find acceleration with two perpendicular velocities, you can use the formula a = √(v1² + v2²) where a is the acceleration, v1 is the first velocity, and v2 is the second velocity.

2. Can you explain the concept of two perpendicular velocities?

Two perpendicular velocities refer to two velocities that are at right angles to each other. This means that they are moving in different directions and are not parallel to each other.

3. Why is it important to consider two perpendicular velocities when finding acceleration?

It is important to consider two perpendicular velocities because they can affect the overall acceleration of an object. If the velocities are in opposite directions, they can cancel each other out and result in a lower overall acceleration. If they are in the same direction, they can add to each other and result in a higher overall acceleration.

4. What are some real-life examples of finding acceleration with two perpendicular velocities?

One example is a car making a turn. The velocity of the car going straight is perpendicular to the velocity of the car turning. Another example is a projectile motion, where the horizontal velocity and vertical velocity are perpendicular to each other.

5. Is there a difference between finding acceleration with two perpendicular velocities and finding acceleration with two parallel velocities?

Yes, there is a difference. When finding acceleration with two perpendicular velocities, you need to use the formula a = √(v1² + v2²) which takes into account both velocities. However, when finding acceleration with two parallel velocities, you can simply add or subtract the velocities to find the overall acceleration.

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