How to Find Tangential Velocity and Acceleration on a Frictionless Curve?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the tangential velocity and acceleration of a block moving down a frictionless curve, specifically at a 60-degree angle from the center of the curve and at the midpoint of the curve. The subject area includes concepts from dynamics and energy conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using energy methods rather than force analysis. There is a question regarding the interpretation of the 60-degree angle, with some seeking clarification on whether it refers to the top of the quarter circle or the center of the half circle. Additionally, there is a query about how to calculate acceleration at the midpoint of the curve.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and suggesting various approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of energy methods and trigonometric considerations, but no consensus has been reached on the specific calculations or methods to apply.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a free body diagram (FBD) drawn by the original poster, indicating an attempt to visualize the forces involved. The problem context includes a frictionless scenario, which may influence the methods discussed.

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:smile: I have a 5 kg block goin down a frictionless curve of radius 5 meters. I need to know the tangential velocity at 60 degrees from the center of the curve and its acceleration at the midpoint of the curve.

i have drawn a FBD of the block, where do i go from there?
 
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I would use energy instead of forces for this one.

I don't get what you mean at 60 degrees from the center of the curve... do you mean 60 degrees from the top of the quarter circle? In that case, you should use trig to figure out how far it's fallen.

For the acceleration, the acceleration at the midpoint is just as if the block was lying on a straight slope with equal angle to the horizontal as the tangent line is at that point
 
Office_Shredder said:
I would use energy instead of forces for this one.

I don't get what you mean at 60 degrees from the center of the curve... do you mean 60 degrees from the top of the quarter circle? In that case, you should use trig to figure out how far it's fallen.

For the acceleration, the acceleration at the midpoint is just as if the block was lying on a straight slope with equal angle to the horizontal as the tangent line is at that point


when i say 60 degrees i mean from the center of the half circle
 
How do i get the acceleration at the midpoint of the curve?
 

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