Non-uniform circular motion and tangential acceleration

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the analysis of non-uniform circular motion and the calculation of tangential and radial forces acting on an object constrained to move in a circle. The tangential acceleration is defined as a_{tan} = b + ct^2, leading to the tangential force F_{\tan} = m(b + ct^2). For the radial force F_{\rm{R}}, the correct expression is derived as F_R = m(v_0 + bt + \frac{1}{3}ct^3)^2/r after integrating the tangential acceleration to find the velocity as a function of time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Familiarity with circular motion concepts
  • Knowledge of calculus, specifically integration
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving forces and accelerations
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  • Learn about centripetal force and its relationship with radial acceleration
  • Explore advanced topics in dynamics, such as non-uniform circular motion
  • Review examples of tangential and radial forces in various physical contexts
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and circular motion, as well as educators looking for examples of force calculations in non-uniform motion scenarios.

Symstar
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Homework Statement


An object of mass m is constrained to move in a circle of radius r. Its tangential acceleration as a function of time is given by [tex]a_{tan} = b + ct^2[/tex], where b and c are constants.

A) If [tex]v = v_0[/tex] at t = 0, determine the tangential component of the force, [tex]F_{\tan }[/tex], acting on the object at any time t > 0.
Express your answer in terms of the variables m, r, [tex]v_0[/tex], b, and c.

B) Determine the radial component of the force [tex]F_{\rm{R}}[/tex].
Express your answer in terms of the variables m, r, [tex]v_0[/tex], b, t, and c.

Homework Equations


[tex]a_{tan} = b + ct^2[/tex]
[tex]a_r=\tfrac{v^2}{r}[/tex]
Newton's Laws


The Attempt at a Solution


A. was not a problem for me:
[tex]F_{\tan}=ma_{\tan}=m(b+ct^2)[/tex]

For B.:
[tex]F_R=ma_r[/tex]
[tex]a_r=\tfrac{v^2}{r}[/tex]
It seems to make sense that because v is tangential speed we could use...
[tex]v(t)=v_0+a_{\tan}t=v_0+(b+ct^2)t[/tex]
So that...
[tex]a_r=\frac{(v_0+(b+ct^2)t)^2}{r}[/tex]
Finally giving...
[tex]F_R=m(\frac{(v_0+(b+ct^2)t)^2}{r}[/tex]

Which is not correct. What did I do wrong?
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi Symstar! Welcome to PF! :smile:
Symstar said:
It seems to make sense that because v is tangential speed we could use...
[tex]v(t)=v_0+a_{\tan}t[/tex]

That only works if atan is constant, doesn't it? :wink:

Hint: dv/dt = … ? :smile:
 


tiny-tim said:
Hi Symstar! Welcome to PF! :smile:That only works if atan is constant, doesn't it? :wink:

Hint: dv/dt = … ? :smile:

dv/dt = atan correct?

So would I need to integrate?
[tex]\int a_{tan} = \int b + ct^2[/tex]
[tex]\frac{dv}{dt}= bt+\tfrac{1}{3}ct^3[/tex]

And it seems logical in our case that +C would actually be +v0

Which would end up giving me:
[tex]F_R=m\frac{(v_0+bt+\tfrac{1}{3}ct^3)^2}{r}[/tex]

Which I just confirmed to be the correct answer... thanks for you your help tim.
 
Last edited:

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