Direction of Acceleration Vector

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the direction of the acceleration vector in circular motion scenarios, specifically addressing the nature of centripetal acceleration and its relationship to the motion of an object in a circular path.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the characteristics of acceleration in circular motion, with one suggesting that the acceleration vector is perpendicular to the motion. Others question whether this holds true in all cases or only under specific conditions, such as uniform circular motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and clarifications regarding the nature of centripetal acceleration. There is an acknowledgment of the need for precise definitions in the question to avoid ambiguity.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted concern regarding the specificity of the question, as it does not clarify whether it pertains to uniform circular motion or the general case of acceleration in circular motion.

laurenbaboran
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Homework Statement



What is true about the direction the acceleration vector points in circular motion situations?

Homework Equations



a It is perpendicular to the motion.
b There is no acceleration.
c It points opposite the motion.
d It points parallel to the motion.


The Attempt at a Solution


I got a, because if the object goes in a circle and the centripedal force pulls it it, it's perpendicular. Am I right?
 
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laurenbaboran said:
centripedal force pulls it it, it's perpendicular. Am I right?

Centripetal perhaps? And yes, you are correct.
 
Thank you so much :) Good to know about the spelling. You learn something new every day!
 
The direction of centripetal acceleration is perpendicular to the motion .But the question asks direction of acceleration vector which may or may not be perpendicular to the motion .The direction of net acceleration vector is perpendicular only in case of uniform circular motion.

The question should either specify that it is a uniform circular motion or should ask the direction of centripetal acceleration .Only then ,the options make sense.
 

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