Does constant radial velocity always mean zero radial acceleration?

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SUMMARY

In the discussion, it is established that constant radial velocity does not imply zero radial acceleration. The participant initially believed that a constant radial velocity, measured in radians per second, would result in zero radial acceleration. However, further analysis revealed that radial acceleration can exist even when radial velocity remains constant, particularly in scenarios involving circular motion or spirals. This distinction is crucial for understanding motion dynamics in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of radial velocity and its measurement in radians per second
  • Familiarity with concepts of radial acceleration and linear acceleration
  • Knowledge of parametric equations and their application in motion analysis
  • Basic principles of circular motion and dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between radial velocity and radial acceleration in circular motion
  • Explore parametric equations in detail, focusing on their role in defining motion paths
  • Learn about the concepts of centripetal acceleration and its implications in physics
  • Investigate examples of spiral motion and the associated acceleration components
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching motion dynamics, and anyone interested in the principles of acceleration in circular and spiral motion.

rallizes
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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?
 
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Constant radial velocity does not imply zero radial acceleration.
 

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