Direction of angular acceleration

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the direction of angular acceleration for a car's wheels when the vehicle is slowing down while moving in the +y-direction. The correct answer is (a) the +x-direction, as the wheels exhibit angular velocity in the -x-direction. When the car decelerates, the angular acceleration acts in the opposite direction of the angular velocity, resulting in a positive angular acceleration along the +x-axis. This conclusion is derived from the relationship between angular velocity and angular acceleration, specifically the equation a = αR.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular velocity and angular acceleration
  • Familiarity with the concepts of force and motion in physics
  • Knowledge of coordinate systems (XY plane)
  • Basic grasp of rotational dynamics equations
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  • Study the relationship between angular velocity and angular acceleration in rotational motion
  • Explore the effects of deceleration on angular motion using real-world examples
  • Learn about the application of Newton's laws in rotational dynamics
  • Investigate the concept of torque and its impact on angular acceleration
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and rotational dynamics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to angular motion.

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Homework Statement


Imagine a car driving on the XY plane in the +y-direction. If it is slowing down, in what direction is the angular acceleration of the wheels?

(a) the +x-direction
(b) the -x-direction
(c) the +y-direction
(d) the -y-direction
(e) the +z-direction

Homework Equations


a=αR

The Attempt at a Solution


I am just really lost when it comes to this problem. The apparent answer is A, but I do not understand why. I can't conceptualize angular acceleration with the axes..

The solution says the wheels have an angular velocity in the -x-direction and thus since the angular velocity is decreased the acceleration would be in the +x-direction. I get the second step, but I don't understand how you determine the angular velocity is in the -x-direction
 
Last edited:
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Actually, I think I get it now after messing around with some pictures..still, I think this was a stupid and poorly phrased problem.
 
think it as applying a force to stop the wheels...
 

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