Acceleration of Rest Point for Rolling without Slipping

[0pt618]

Let's ignore gravity in this problem for simplicity. For a wheel rolling without slipping on some surface, the rest point is the point at a given instant of time that is in contact with the surface (the rest point has zero instantaneous velocity). If the wheel is rolling at constant velocity, the instantaneous acceleration vector of the rest point points toward the center of the wheel.

Question: if the wheel is accelerating, in which direction is the instantaneous acceleration vector of the rest point?

(This is a question in the domain of classical mechanics, so all speeds are much less than the speed of light.)

 

[berkeman]

Is this for schoolwork?

 

[0pt618]

Is this for schoolwork?

No - why do you ask?

 

[0pt618]

Question edited to be more precise.

 

[berkeman]

Because we have rules here at the PF about how to handle schoolwork (you do the bulk of the work so we don't help you to cheat in your classes -- this applies to self-study as well). What is the context of your question? Is this for your work?

 

[0pt618]

Because we have rules here at the PF about how to handle schoolwork (you do the bulk of the work so we don't help you to cheat in your classes -- this applies to self-study as well). What is the context of your question? Is this for your work?

Okay, makes sense. I read and learn physics for fun. It's not a homework problem.

 

[berkeman]

Okay, makes sense. I read and learn physics for fun. It's not a homework problem.

Okay, please post all schoolwork-type questions in the Homework Help forums, and fill out the HH Template that you are provided when you start a new thread there. That includes the Relevant Equations and your Attempt at a Solution. That helps you to organize your thoughts, and helps up to help you answer your question.

This thread is locked as a misplaced schoolwork type post. Please repost in HH Intro Physics.