Computing the normal scalar component of acceleration

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a math problem involving the computation of the normal scalar component of acceleration under specific conditions. Participants explore the use of various formulas related to acceleration, including tangential and normal components, while seeking clarification on the problem's context.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a problem involving the scalar component of acceleration, providing specific values for the magnitude of acceleration and tangential acceleration.
  • Another participant clarifies that the term "scalar component of acceleration" typically refers to magnitude and questions what the acceleration is normal to, suggesting that additional context is needed to proceed.
  • A later reply indicates that the original poster resolved the issue by normalizing the tangential acceleration and substituting values into the normal acceleration equation.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of providing the full problem statement for better assistance in future discussions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for context in solving the problem, but there is no consensus on the interpretation of the terms used or the specific approach to take without additional information.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of context regarding what the acceleration is normal to, which affects the ability to derive components accurately. The discussion also reflects uncertainty about the application of the provided formulas.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students encountering similar problems in physics or mathematics, particularly those involving vector components and acceleration. It highlights the importance of context in problem-solving.

Han_Cholo
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Hi, I have this math problem where I need to find the scalar component of acceleration at a given time under certain conditions. Usually these problems aren't bad for me, but this one has left me scratching my head.

Its giving me ||a|| = 4 and (aT)(T) = 5i +5j -k

I have the formula aN = (||a||2-aT2)1/2

that I think I can use, and I also have a=aTT + aNN that I also think I can use, but whichever one I try I have failed.

I'm liking the first equation more, but I don't know how to get aT from aTT

Any hints to push me in the right direction?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, "the scalar component of acceleration" would be it's magnitude - though it would not normally be considered a component.
A component is usually the amount the vector points in a particular direction.

You seem to want to know the magnitude of the component of the acceleration that is normal to something.
What is it normal to? You can be normal to a curve, to a surface... It looks like you have a tangential acceleration (tangent to what?) ... in general you cannot get components in other directions without more information than supplied here.

You have a bunch of formulas you do not know how to use - I cannot tell you because I don't know the context of the problem.
Please provide the problem statement as you received it.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Han_Cholo
Simon Bridge said:
Well, "the scalar component of acceleration" would be it's magnitude - though it would not normally be considered a component.
A component is usually the amount the vector points in a particular direction.

You seem to want to know the magnitude of the component of the acceleration that is normal to something.
What is it normal to? You can be normal to a curve, to a surface... It looks like you have a tangential acceleration (tangent to what?) ... in general you cannot get components in other directions without more information than supplied here.

You have a bunch of formulas you do not know how to use - I cannot tell you because I don't know the context of the problem.
Please provide the problem statement as you received it.

I figured it out! I had to normalize aTT and realized T=1, so then I just had to plug that value into the aN equation along with the other given value. Thanks for responding anyways!
 
OK Well done.

In future, you will get better assistance if you supply the context too.
This is why the standard template asks for the problem statement ... I know typing it out can be a pain but it saves trouble overall.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Confusion between vector components, basis vectors, and scalars
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad How to Write Vectors in Spherical Coordinates for Scalar Product Evaluation
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Suvat vector versus the scalar form
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
5K
High School Normal force in case of inclined plane and banked turn
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Ambiguity of the term "indefinite integral"
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Multivariable fundamental calculus theorem in Wald
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate How to compute the surface height based on normal vectors
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Have you ever used "symbolic logic" to help you learn calculus?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Graduate Radial and tangential components of acceleration
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Acceleration & Normal Force of a Box: 4 m/s2 & 418 N
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K