Find the acceleration in circular motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating acceleration in circular motion, specifically addressing tangential and radial acceleration. The tangential acceleration is parallel to the net velocity, while the radial acceleration is perpendicular to it, with the net acceleration directed inward. The user attempts to derive tangential acceleration using the x component of velocity, v(x) = v sin(theta), but struggles with the differentiation of sin(theta) with respect to time. Clarification is sought on finding theta as a function of time given limited information.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of circular motion concepts
  • Knowledge of derivatives and differentiation
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically sine
  • Basic principles of kinematics
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  • Learn how to express angular position as a function of time in circular motion
  • Study the relationship between tangential and radial acceleration in circular motion
  • Explore the use of parametric equations in motion analysis
  • Investigate the role of constant velocity components in circular motion calculations
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and circular motion, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to acceleration in circular dynamics.

theerenwithther
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Homework Statement
The object (ignore the size) is placed at (0, 1) when t = 0 and moves
along unit circle, centered at (0,0), in xy plane (0 < t < 1/√3
). The x component of velocity is +√3 which is constant. Evaluate the following quantities when t = 1 /2√3. (a) Direction of Acceleration (ex. x direction) (b) Tangential Acceleration (c) Radial Acceleration (d)
Magnitude of Acceleration
Relevant Equations
N/A
Hello ,
First of all , I am still new to circular motion or any motions in general and still relatively learning so please bear with me.

1 . The direction of the tangential acceleration is parallel to the net velocity and that of radial of perpendicular to the velocity. So the direction of net acceleration would be inwards the circle (?) but it seems too vague. There may be other ways to phrase or even calculate it.

2/3/4 . In the next part , my approach was to find velocity from its x component by using v(x) = vsin(theta) and differentiating that v to eventually get the tangential acceleration and calculate the remaining two from it. But the concept seems thin in logical vision and in actual calculation , there is a derivative of sin(theta) respect to t in all values , which makes my final answers very unlikely. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I would be even more delighted if you take time to thoroughly explain the whole process.

Thank you in advance,
 

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theerenwithther said:
The direction of the tangential acceleration is parallel to the net velocity and that of radial of perpendicular to the velocity. So the direction of net acceleration would be inwards the circle (?) but it seems too vague. There may be other ways to phrase or even calculate it.
Yes, calculate it. What will you need to find first?
theerenwithther said:
there is a derivative of sin(theta) respect to t
So you will need to find what theta is as a function of t.
 
hello ! thank you for the reply ! but how can I find the theta as function of t with the limited values that I am given ??
 
theerenwithther said:
hello ! thank you for the reply ! but how can I find the theta as function of t with the limited values that I am given ??
Where will it be after time t?
 
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haruspex said:
Where will it be after time t?
do I even have enough information to find it ??
 
theerenwithther said:
do I even have enough information to find it ??
”The x component of velocity is +√3 which is constant.”
 
theerenwithther said:
do I even have enough information to find it ??
Does the x component determine the y component in circular motion?
 

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