How Does Decreasing Speed Affect the Angle of Delta-v in Oval Track Motion?

  • Thread starter Thread starter WarpDrive
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between decreasing speed and the angle of delta-v in uniform circular motion (UCM) on an oval track. As an object moves clockwise with decreasing speed, the angle formed by the delta-v vector and the velocity vector approaches greater than 90 degrees due to the need for a component of acceleration to point towards the center of the track while also opposing the velocity vector. Conversely, if the object's speed increases, the angle approaches less than 90 degrees. The unique geometry of the oval track does not alter these fundamental principles of motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of uniform circular motion (UCM)
  • Familiarity with vector analysis in physics
  • Knowledge of acceleration components in motion
  • Basic principles of angular motion and centripetal force
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of varying speed on delta-v in circular motion
  • Learn about vector decomposition in physics
  • Explore the relationship between tangential and centripetal acceleration
  • Investigate the dynamics of motion on non-circular paths, such as ovals
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the dynamics of motion, particularly in the context of circular and oval track motion.

WarpDrive
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
"An object moves clockwise with decreasing speed around an oval track." There is also a drawing with two velocity vectors drawn. I was able to draw the vector "delta"-v, based on the two velocity vectors, but how does it change as one point moves closer to the other? In UCM with constant velocity, the angle formed by delta-v between two points and the velocity vector at one of the points approaches 90 degrees. How does that change if the object has decreasing velocity? I was thinking that delta-v might tend towards some angle greater than 90 degrees, as part of it must point towards the center, and part of it must point in the opposite direction of the velocity vector to decrease the speed of the object. I think that that angle might approach some angle less than 90 degrees if the object has increasing velocity. However, I'm not sure about my arguments, so is this how it is, or am I missing something?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sorry, I forgot to read the errata concerning this problem. How does the change in speed of an object affect the angle between the acceleration vector and the velocity vector at a point. In UCM, the acceleration vector is perpendicular to the velocity vector. If the object's speed is increasing, an additional tangential component of acceleration causes the acceleration vector to point at less than 90 degrees. If the object's speed is decreasing, in this case, I would think the angle would be greater than 90 degrees. But does any of this change because I'm dealing with an oval?

Thanks!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
11K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
31
Views
2K
Replies
40
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K