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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving a car traveling in semicircular motion with a radius of 500 m at a constant speed of 20 m/s. The key calculations required are the time taken to complete the semicircle and the average acceleration's magnitude and direction. The relevant equation for average acceleration is given as a = Δvx/Δt(xhat) + Δvy/Δt(yhat). The participants emphasize the importance of understanding vector components in acceleration calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of semicircular motion and its properties
  • Knowledge of average acceleration and its vector components
  • Familiarity with basic kinematic equations
  • Ability to apply trigonometric concepts in physics problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the time taken to traverse a semicircle using the formula: time = distance/speed
  • Explore vector decomposition to analyze average acceleration in two dimensions
  • Study the concept of centripetal acceleration in circular motion
  • Review kinematic equations relevant to circular motion scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on motion in two dimensions, as well as educators looking for examples of semicircular motion problems.

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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