Acceleration of an Object Moving in Circular Path

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the acceleration of an object moving in a circular path, specifically focusing on the maximum distance a car can cover before slipping on a rough surface. Participants explore the roles of tangential and radial acceleration in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that both tangential and radial accelerations should be considered together to determine the required friction for a car moving in a circular path.
  • Others question the conditions under which the maximum distance before slipping is calculated, asking about constraints such as time limits and throttle control.
  • There is uncertainty expressed regarding how friction contributes to tangential acceleration, with some participants seeking clarification on this relationship.
  • A participant suggests that understanding straight-line acceleration may be necessary before addressing circular motion concepts.
  • Concerns are raised about the feasibility of a car accelerating while its wheels spin on a slippery surface, indicating a need for further exploration of the mechanics involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there are multiple competing views regarding the calculations involved and the understanding of friction's role in acceleration.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific constraints affecting the calculations, such as time limits and the nature of the surface. There are also unresolved questions about the mechanics of friction and its contributions to tangential acceleration.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in the dynamics of circular motion, the role of friction in acceleration, and the complexities of motion on rough surfaces.

Robeurer
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TL;DR
What is the acceleration of an object moving in a circular path?
Let's say we have an object moving in a circular path with radius R and rough surface.
We want to know the maximum distance covered by the car before it slip.
Should we use the resultant of both the tangential acceleration and the radial acceleration or just one of them to put in the calculation?

the equation is
##f = \dfrac{mv^2}{r}##
 
Last edited:
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Robeurer said:
TL;DR Summary: What is the acceleration of an object moving in a circular path?

Let's say we have an object moving in a circular path with radius R and rough surface.
We want to know the maximum distance covered by the car before it slip.
Should we use the resultant of both the tangential acceleration and the radial acceleration or just one of them to put in the calculation?

If the force of friction provides radial and tangential acceleration (as it usually does for a car on a flat suface), then you have to use the resultant of both to determine the required friction.
 
Robeurer said:
Let's say we have an object moving in a circular path with radius R and rough surface.
We want to know the maximum distance covered by the car before it slip.
Under what constraints? Is there a time limit? Do we control the throttle setting?

Geometry dictates a maximum distance at a position halfway around the circle. If you can get there.
 
A.T. said:
If the force of friction provides radial and tangential acceleration (as it usually does for a car on a flat suface), then you have to use the resultant of both to determine the required friction.
I don't really understand how the friction provides tangential acceleration but, if it said that the object moving with tangential acceleration, is the object tangential acceleration is the same with the on you mentioned?
 
Robeurer said:
I don't really understand how the friction provides tangential acceleration
Then maybe you should try to understand how cars accelerate in a straight line, before going to circular paths.
 
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jbriggs444 said:
Under what constraints? Is there a time limit?
I also don't understand the part about distance before slip.
 
Robeurer said:
I don't really understand how the friction provides tangential acceleration...
What makes the car increase its forward velocity (show tangential acceleration)?
Could it easily accelerate while spinning its driving wheels on slippery mud?
 

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