Circular motion and radial acceleration

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving a particle moving with constant angular acceleration (α) in a circular path. The key question is determining the time at which the magnitudes of tangential and radial accelerations are equal. The solution involves dimensional analysis to find the correct time unit from the options provided: 1/α, √α, 1/√α, and α. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding angular acceleration units and suggest using calculus to derive tangential acceleration from angular velocity (ω).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular acceleration (α) and its units
  • Knowledge of tangential and radial acceleration concepts
  • Familiarity with dimensional analysis techniques
  • Basic calculus for deriving tangential acceleration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between angular velocity (ω) and angular acceleration (α)
  • Learn about the formulas for tangential and radial acceleration in circular motion
  • Practice dimensional analysis with various physics problems
  • Explore calculus applications in physics, particularly derivatives related to motion
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and circular motion, as well as educators seeking to enhance their teaching of angular dynamics.

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Homework Statement


A particle moves with a constant angular acceleration Alpha in a circular path. The time at which the magnitude of tangential and radial accelerations are equal is
a) 1/Alpha b) Sq.root Alpha c) 1/Sq.root Alpha d) Alpha

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


I worked more than two days on this problem but could not get answer.
 
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This does not even require any work. Just use dimensional analysis. First figure out what the units of angular acceleration are. Since you know what the units of time are, figure out which choice yields units of seconds.
 
So you have ω = α*t. Have you a formula for finding the tangential velocity from that? If you know calculus, you can then get the tangential acceleration easily with a derivative.

Any formula for radial acceleration?

We aren't supposed to give away solutions here - you have to give evidence of trying the problem!
 
Last edited:

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