How Do You Solve for Time and Average Acceleration in a Semicircular Motion?

AI Thread Summary
To solve for the time taken for a car traveling at a constant speed of 20 m/s around a semicircle with a radius of 500 m, the total distance of the semicircle (π * radius) must be calculated, resulting in a distance of approximately 1570.8 m. Dividing this distance by the speed gives a time of about 78.54 seconds. For average acceleration, which is a vector quantity, the change in velocity must be determined, considering the initial and final directions of the car. The average acceleration's magnitude can be calculated using the formula provided, taking into account the change in velocity components over the time calculated. Understanding the vector nature of acceleration is crucial for accurately determining both its magnitude and direction.
Violagirl
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Homework Statement



A car initially traveling due north goes around a semicircle having a radius of 500 m at a constant speed of 20 m/s. A) How long does this take? B) What is the magnitiude and direction of the average acceleration?

Homework Equations



a = Δvx/Δt(xhat)+Δvy/Δt(yhat)


The Attempt at a Solution



I'm stumped as to how to start this problem. I drew out a half circle with the radius showing 500 m for the distance. I'm not sure if I'm missing a formula or what as I didn't see anything relevant for circles on my formula sheet from my class. Any help is appreciated.
 
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Violagirl said:

Homework Statement



A car initially traveling due north goes around a semicircle having a radius of 500 m at a constant speed of 20 m/s. A) How long does this take? B) What is the magnitiude and direction of the average acceleration?

Homework Equations



a = Δvx/Δt(xhat)+Δvy/Δt(yhat)


The Attempt at a Solution



I'm stumped as to how to start this problem. I drew out a half circle with the radius showing 500 m for the distance. I'm not sure if I'm missing a formula or what as I didn't see anything relevant for circles on my formula sheet from my class. Any help is appreciated.

For one thing for motion in two dimensions, acceleration is a vector quantity. It has x and y components. You don't add them. But you didn't do part A yet. What's the Δt?
 
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