Does constant radial velocity always mean zero radial acceleration?

AI Thread Summary
Constant radial velocity does not imply zero radial acceleration. A particle can have a constant radial velocity while still experiencing radial acceleration due to changes in direction. The distinction between linear and radial acceleration is crucial in understanding motion in a spiral path. Therefore, a particle can exhibit linear acceleration even if its radial velocity remains constant. Clarifying these concepts is essential for accurately analyzing motion dynamics.
rallizes
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Had a problem on a test today where a constant radial velocity of a particle was given in radians/sec with parametric equations that defined a spiral. Later it asked if the particle was accelerating radially, linearly or a combination of the two and I put linearly only because I figured if the radial velocity was constant than the radial acceleration should be zero.. Thinking about it more I'm starting to doubt myself and get the circles tangled up in my head so I thought I'd come here for help, anybody know?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Constant radial velocity does not imply zero radial acceleration.
 

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Constant radial and angular velocity; find magnitude of acceleration.
Replies
3
Views
9K
Uniform circular motion with constant upward velocity.
Replies
8
Views
28K
Spiraling Particle Homework: Solving for Velocity & Acceleration
Replies
15
Views
3K
Why Does Friction Provide Centripetal Acceleration in Circular Motion?
Replies
37
Views
4K
Finding Initial Velocity v0x for Particle with Non-Constant Acceleration
Replies
2
Views
4K
Tangential and radial accelereations of a flywheel
Replies
2
Views
15K
Does constant speed affect acceleration?
Replies
1
Views
16K
How Does Angular Velocity Influence Particle Motion in Rotational Dynamics?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Does Constant Acceleration Always Change Velocity's Magnitude?
Replies
7
Views
4K
Possible title: Is Acceleration Constant at Zero in a System with No Net Force?
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top