How to determine the angular acceleration using the right hand rule?

In summary, to determine the angular acceleration using the right hand rule, you can use the formula ω^{2}r or represent it as a cross product using the formula ω\times(ω\timesr). By using the Right Hand Rule, you can determine the direction of the angular acceleration. Clockwise and counterclockwise refer to the direction of rotation of the object relative to an axis.
  • #1
ehabmozart
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How to determine the angular acceleration using the right hand rule??

I know how to get the direction of angular velocity using RHR. We curl up our fingers to the direction at which the object rotates relative to an aix and the thumb shows the direction. My question is, with the same analogy, how can we determine the angular acceleration using the right hand rule?? Adding to this, what does clockwise or anti cc suggest to the direction of angular vectors? THanks a lot to whoever contributes :)
 
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  • #2


Angular acceleration is [itex]ω^{2}[/itex]r. You can represent it also as a cross product: ω[itex]\times[/itex](ω[itex]\times[/itex]r)

Now use the Right Hand Rule and you will come to the direction known for the angular acceleration.
 

1. What is the right hand rule in physics?

The right hand rule is a method used to determine the direction of a vector or the rotation of an object in a three-dimensional space. It is based on the principle that if the thumb, index finger, and middle finger of your right hand are extended and perpendicular to each other, the thumb will point in the direction of the vector or rotation.

2. How do you use the right hand rule to determine angular acceleration?

To determine angular acceleration using the right hand rule, first extend your fingers of your right hand in the direction of the rotation. Then, curl your fingers towards the direction of angular acceleration. The direction in which your thumb points will indicate the direction of the angular acceleration.

3. What are the units of angular acceleration?

The units of angular acceleration are radians per second squared (rad/s²) or degrees per second squared (°/s²).

4. Is the right hand rule always applicable in determining angular acceleration?

No, the right hand rule is only applicable when the rotation is happening in a three-dimensional space. If the rotation is happening in a two-dimensional plane, the right hand rule cannot be used to determine angular acceleration.

5. Can the right hand rule be used in any orientation?

Yes, the right hand rule can be used in any orientation as long as the fingers are extended in the direction of the rotation and the fingers are curled towards the direction of angular acceleration.

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